Monday’s feast of NRL action concludes with what should be a tight affair between the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00pm (AEDT).
Down 16-4 at one stage, the Cowboys seemed destined to start the season with a 0-4 record but star halfback Johnathan Thurston nailed two field goals late in the contest to secure the Cowboys their first win of season 2015.
After a very poor start to the season given the expectations, the Cowboys finally have the win on the board that could springboard them to the top eight.
The Panthers are coming off back-to-back defeats to the Roosters and Knights.
They have missed the composure and class of Jamie Soward in the halves and he remains sidelined for tonight’s clash. Former Cowboy James Segeyaro however comes into Penrith’s line-up after missing the defeat to Newcastle. His inclusion will bolster the Panther’s attack significantly.
The Cowboys have performed poorly in the first half of three out of four matches so far this season. While they managed to get out of a deep hole against Melbourne, a similar start against the Panthers away from home will result in defeat.
The Cowboys will have to keep an eye on Matt Moylan. The young star is yet to replicate the form of last year and will be eyeing tonight’s match as an opportunity to impress Origin selectors with a dominant performance over Thurston.
Former Panther Lachlan Coote faces his old club for the first time since joining the Cowboys and he may end up becoming a key factor in this contest.
The Panthers start deserved favourites at home, but the Cowboys thrive on momentum and the win against Melbourne may finally kick-start the season of a side many expect to feature in the finals.
Cowboys by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:00pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
steveng
Roar Rookie
You must be a Cowboy supporter
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
The Moulan no try I thought was dead right because in each camera angle we got clear vision of the ball at each pivotal stage where the ball was definitely held up. Unlike in the Broncs worries game last week where J Wallace looked like at one point the ball likely touched the ground (not certainly but not enough evidence to say it didn't touch.) The second one I honestly thought video red was simply a formality to check if Moylan obstructed anyone. I wasn't even looking for the first ten replays then when I did look first thing I thought was "I think he dropped that" then after about 20 more replays I was all but certain. Probably should've been given since it wasn't a sure thing to say he dropped it, but I'd call it good video refereeing to use common sense. Didn't see the Cowboys no try. (Or maybe just don't remember it).
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I feel a need to burst into song. I FEEL HAPPY. OH SO HAPPY. I FEEL HAPPY AND CLAPPY AND WISE. I FEEL HAPPY. OH SO HAPPY. OH SO HAPPY AND LOOKING FOR ANOTHER GAME. Obviously sung to the tune from sound of music.
DiscoDave
Roar Rookie
WDD......I thought calls were fair enough on all three but my point was about over ruling the Ref. I can't see how either Panthers try clearly showed Ref was mistaken, therefore should go with the on field decision. If Ref had called No Try on either I would have no argument. All said and done, Cowboys deserved the win.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
So all in all, the Cowbies forwards grew a set. Finally. Are we happy with Morgan, Moga, Granville and coote?. In the backs I mean! And its my dream to see them at the top.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Watching at home I was happy with the calls. The second panthers one I thought could've been awarded, but the more I looked at it the more I thought Mansour dropped it cold. The other two overrulings however I thought were dead right.
DiscoDave
Roar Rookie
Just came from this game. Three calls from Refs all overturned by Video! Fair enough on the first Cowboys try, but Penrith must feel hard done by on the other two. I honestly don't understand how the rule is applied in relation to going with Refs call unless the video footage is conclusive. Having said that, Panthers defence let them down tonight! By the way....despite the crowd being upset with Refs I did not see one single plastic bottle.
Felix
Guest
After a few shocking first half kicks from Coote, the cowboys got into the wrestle and started to play field positions. Commentators mulled over the tackles in opposition 20 stat, I wouldn't read too much into that with a lopsided penalty count. I feel for Panthers fans, that last try looked fine for mine, and I hope you get a few square ups in the season as a result because that was a game changer. We had the rub of the green tonight but started to look like a genuine football team again, the forwards were outstanding. I think we have got a bit of rhythm back and here's hoping we can win one more on our away swing and get back the three early losses.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
The two JTs put on a masterclass tonight. Coote and Morgan were pretty good. Granville needs to work on his service and decision making a little but he was pretty dangerous. Tamou was bad. Scott despite being belted early kept getting up to run the ball. Winterstein and Wright were pretty safe with Wright being on the receiving end of some Thurston magic. I'd say they still have a fair bit to work on but if they turn up to every game like they did tonight they won't lose too many.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the call. Looks like the Cowboys are back in town. Depleted Rabbits will need to be on their toes next week.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I just heard the stats and they are very impressive. The forwards did such a terriffic job. Hang on. MOM. JT 2 Lachlan Coote MATTY Scott.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
So Allan, Do you think they've turned the corner? Was it a fair indication of ability? Shit I wish I had fox.
Barb Brennan
Guest
Up the mighty Cowboys, Thurston is on his way back, after the kick to the face, well done boys.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
How special do I feel right about now? Two wins on the trot. Wooo hooo.
Alan
Roar Guru
As predicted the Cowboys have shown up with their best footy and upset the Panthers by securing a 30-10 victory. Cowboys defence was superb. Their forwards were very strong with Lowe, Tamou, Scott and Taumalolo doing the job upfront. Thurston the master once again. Not a bad player in the Cowboys line-up. Penrith are really missing Soward in attack. Moylan and Wallace just unable to trouble the Cowboys tonight. Whare off injured as well. Cowboys looking good now after a poor start to the year. Panthers 10 Cowboys 30
up in the north
Roar Rookie
My radio just said we'd hear from JT fortunately reception dropped out. He never makes sense. Who gets man of the match.??
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Panthers 10 Cowboys 30
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Cowboys on the attack again. Great win for them. Two great wins in a row. Six more for the Cowboys again... Panthers 10 Cowboys 30
Alan
Roar Guru
Panthers getting frustrated now...stupid push. No need for it. Cowboys get the penalty..... Panthers 10 Cowboys 30
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Look out here come the water bottles.