He’s done it again.
A Johnathan Thurston field goal proved the difference as defending premiers North Queensland clinched a 19-18 NRL win over Brisbane on Friday night in another grand final re-match in Townsville.
The Cowboys appeared cooked when they trailed 18-6 against a rampaging Broncos after winger Jordan Kahu crossed in the 42nd minute.
But thanks to the Cowboys’ 2015 grand-final heroics, the 25,163-strong North Queensland faithful knew better than to write their team off, especially on the night favourite son Thurston was celebrating his 250th game for his beloved club.
And just like last year’s season decider, Thurston stood tall to sink the deciding field goal and break Broncos hearts – this time in the 75th minute.
Brisbane had all the momentum after two tries to Matt Gillett gave the visitors a 12-6 halftime lead.
The Broncos looked set to run riot after Kahu scored straight after the break.
But the Cowboys clawed their way back as Brisbane’s fortunes quickly turned sour.
Queensland State of Origin hopeful Corey Oates didn’t return for the second half after experiencing dizzy spells.
Hooker Andrew McCullough – in his first game back from a hamstring complaint – suffered a suspected arm injury in the 48th minute and left the field.
He only returned after centre Jack Reed suffered a head knock in the 69th minute.
The Cowboys pounced, locking up the scores when fullback Lachlan Coote regathered his own kick in the 58th minute and Michael Morgan and Thurston combined to send centre Justin O’Neill over in the 64th.
The stage was set for the Queensland derby to be decided by golden point for the third straight game.
Enter Thurston: the Cowboys’ co-captain brought the locals to their feet with his late heroics that sealed their eighth straight home win stretching back to 2015.
Oates’ condition might open the Origin door for Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt.
Feldt had a nightmare first half, dropping two bombs and knocking on to all but gift Brisbane the halftime lead.
Before kickoff, the Cowboys’ Rory Kostjasyn (neck) was replaced by John Asiata on the bench.
Griffo
Guest
Looks like O'Neill will get picked for origin so there will be someone come in at centre next week and Linnet will keep his spot. The origin period could decide Linnet's future and if he gets replaced or not. I was surprised when he came back after missing only 2 games to injury and Bowen was playing so well I thought they might give Linnet an extra week to recover. His return game he made good metres though, same again last night, but you're right though. He can't continue to bomb tries and a few times he's shown he's prone to making mistakes when the pressure is on.
Mongo
Guest
Another “Cummins come from behind with a wet sail” win. For a Qld one point thriller just add refs Sutton and Cummins eg Cowboys nearly score yet Broncs mysteriously penalized for offside and of course Cows score and convert to bring to 18-18 after the Broncs get a lot of help in the first half with mysterious hold down penalties which are never applied in rest of game. C and S refs in GF and C and S the main refs in 2 comp rounds - any bets they dont get the SOO
Jackso
Guest
Jackso
Guest
The commentators were willing on extra time and they just knew it would be close - the 2 best sides in the comp
Joe
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more on your points. Also Thurston was just too good, just kept going and going. Agree with Linnett but I had been wanting him replaced since last year. The only thing keeping him in is he makes good meters but he just bombs tries even in the GF. There are times also that any center with a little bit of skill puts his winger away. JT keeps setting him up only for efforts to go to waste. Compare with O'neil who runs great lines, holds the ball in contact and tight spaces and can pass when required. The starting forward pack is awesome, especially when they return in the last 20-30 mins, that just makes the difference in the end.
Kowalski
Guest
Hunt played much better than Milf did last night . And his kick was from 40m out and only just missed. Poor Milf first of all dropped it cold and missed from 15 out afterwards.
jimmmy
Guest
Well the Cows get home in another thriller. These teams are very close in ability. I think we may have a slight edge but if we need to be at our best to get on top. Some observations. Taumalolo is the best forward ini the game. He is awesome. When heccomes back with Scott no one can go with us. Matt Scott is still the premier front rower in town. Thurston is just , well Thurston . ONeill is a very under rated centre. His running lines are wonderful. Lastly , I have been very forgiving of Kane Linnet in the past but last night convinced me we have to replace him . He bombed two tries, one a gimme. Add his dropped ball in the GF and it is time for him to go. Javid Bowen or Moga if fit are better options. Blowing three tries in big games is just unacceptable.
Jara W
Guest
Keep waiting for the young Bronco halves to get better at closing out a tight contest. Soon... Surely. Milford attempt obviously should have gone over. And Hunts attempt probably shouldn't have been taken. Could've done with that first conversion also. Very average.
The Kooms
Guest
Thurstan is just somthing special.