The North Queensland Cowboys have triumphed over the Brisbane Broncos thanks to a golden-point field goal from Johnathan Thurston in one of the most memorable NRL grand finals of all time.
MORE NRL GRAND FINAL
>> IS THERE NO LIMIT TO THURSTON’S ABILITY?
>> FIVE TALKING POINTS FROM THE NRL GRAND FINAL
>> PLAYER RATINGS FROM THE NRL GRAND FINAL
The Cowboys were down 12-16 in the final minutes of the game and looked to be out of chances before Kyle Feldt scored a try in the final seconds of the half to put scores level at 16-16.
Johnathan Thurston then lined up for what might have been the most important kick of his career if not for what was to come. He ultimately failed to convert, with the ball curling back in typical fashion, but not quite enough, striking the metalwork.
The miss saw the game head into over-time for the first time in NRL grand final history, only for Ben Hunt to spill Feldt’s kick-off at the start of extra time.
The Broncos defence was resolute in the ensuing set, but four tackles later Thurston again found the ball in his hands and had the space to take a shot.
This time, he didn’t disappoint, sending the ball through for the only field goal of the night to claim the Cowboys’ first premiership.
Scoring started in the fifth minute when Brisbane’s Corey Parker converted a penalty goal after the Cowboys stayed too long in the tackle.
Corey Oates scored the first try of the game, and Parker’s conversion put the Broncos up 8-0 in the seventh minute.
The Cowboys were quick to respond, finding a try through Justin O’Neill in the 10th minute. Thurston converted to bring the score to 8-6.
The Cowboys then led for the first time in the 25th minute after a try from James Tamou and another successful conversion from Thurston.
However, the Broncos took back the lead before halftime with a big run from Matt Gillett leading to a try for Jack Reed in the 34th minute.
Jordan Kahu’s conversion saw the Broncos enter halftime with a 14-12 advantage.
The second half was quieter in terms of scoring, with a Kahu penalty goal giving the Broncos a 16-12 advantage that looked like carrying them home.
However the Cowboys got one last chance in the dying seconds as a Michael Morgan flick pass found Feldt, who scored the equaliser, and the rest was history.
Thurston won the Clive Churchill Medal as the best on ground in the Cowboys’ 17-16 premiership win.
Russell
Guest
Shouldn't you change your name to onecode or bettercode then?
Onballer
Guest
Thurston field goal looks to be a punt kick. Photo on Telegraph website.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why would Sydney fans be complaining about the game? I was making a crack at Queenslanders as ridiculous as yours at Sydney siders. There was very little negativity about the game in Sydney in the lead in. The events were packed, there were 83,000 at the game. I really don't understand why you made a crack about Sydney siders complaining?
Jay C
Roar Guru
How do you get nsw conspiracy out of that?
Martha
Guest
Heres a reply but not from where you expected - nearly all the 50-50 decisions/no decisions went the team behind on the scoreboard - it was outrageous
AR
Guest
Unbelievable game. An instant epic. Congrats to JT and the Cowboys.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Once the centre goes in the winger has to follow him. It was a poor read by Reed but a brilliant ball by 'Captain' Morgan. Cowboys structured play looked terrible for the last 20 mins and Brisbane's defence too good but one moment of broken, unstructured play changed the game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why would Sydney be complaining? Come on Queenslanders no complaints of a NSW conspiracy. Silly.
American Dave
Guest
Maynard, don't be that guy. Shhhh, I know you are about to reply, but don't be that guy.
PalJoey
Guest
A 3pm kickoff will hit the fans abroad. You have to remember the time difference between Oz and Europe. Lots of fans (not just ex-pat Australians) over here, with the Final trending in the UK on Twitter. Living in London, I am very glad it started when it did. Great game!
justinr
Guest
There may be a lesson for everyone here: don't try to save a game, try to win it. Broncos went into their shells in the last 20 minutes, and were too negative. Anyway, a superb game, perhaps even better than 1989. Well done Cowboys.
SpongeBob
Guest
It's been mentioned a lot - I've seen some comments about "Sook Bennett" etc - casual followers who are oblivious to the fact he's opposed Golden Point since it was brought in. Golden Point, just 1 mistake and it's basically game over. That's why the referee's are too scared to blow any penalties, which means everyone is offside and it's shambles. If you review any GP match live feed this year you'll see some complaints every time. Golden Try perhaps is the best compromise as having to play a full 80 mins the week after is too much of a let down. Or we could call it a draw? I find it amusing there's so much "everyone's a winner!" mentality these days, except for sports, where there HAS to be a clear winner. Quirky.
SpongeBob
Guest
Almost like they just threw him out there without much experience!
SpongeBob
Guest
Shucks, was just a few seconds away!
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Those 83,000 fans at the stadium were clearly upset.
lucky leo
Guest
A bit harsh Phil on young BH Both sides had missed opportunities to put the game to bed in the 2nd half. Both sides competed on every play until the play was dead. The quality and competitiveness of jt & the cows got them home. rugby league is the winner. People will be talking about this game for 20 years
lester
Guest
Yes it's extremely poor that the NRL have succumbed to this night grand final, bad enough that we have to put up with their tacky "entertainment" for hours leading into kick off. Footy is meant to be played in the day. 3pm Kick-off needs to be institutionalised like in English Football and Rugby League.
Phil
Guest
Hunt didn't lose the game with the dropped catch. He lost it with the spear tackle which shifted momentum and field position back to the Cowboys to make that final minute try happen. I'm a wests fan, but that was the best game Ive ever seen. That last five minutes was so intense, so glad the cowboys got the win. Well done Thurston, absolute champion and legend of the game, will undoubtedly be in the GOAT conversation when he retires.
Shades Carter
Roar Rookie
Until tonight.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Absolute brilliance from Michael Morgan. The way he shaped to pass high, realised it would get knocked down so dropped his hand and backhanded it to Feldt. Split second decision and perfect execution. I thought the Broncos shut up shop too early in the game. They were kicking for touch and trying to wind down the clock from 20 mins out. Trying to defend a 4 point lead for 20 mins against the best attacking team in the comp seemed destined to fail. Still, they were 20 seconds away from pulling it off which is a testament to how good they were. The scenes of Thurston and his team mates reactions to the conversion hitting the post were amazing.