League fans are in for a grand final rematch in week two of the NRL Finals, with the North Queensland Cowboys hosting the Brisbane Broncos in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
These two sides just seem to put on an epic match every time they go up against each other, and while everyone remembers last year’s superb grand final, when the Cowboys won by a point, neither team are in the same form this time around.
The Broncos finished the regular season on a high, winning five straight matches, including a strong victory away from home against the Melbourne Storm, before taking on the Gold Coast Titans last weekend.
Whatever you thought of that match and the controversy that surrounded it, there is no questioning the Broncos were the better side as they took a 44-28 win.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, also came into the finals on a winning streak but it was less than convincing after a slump through the middle stanza of the season.
They won three straight before the finals kicked off and it was just enough to get them into the top four, securing a crucial double chance.
The luck stopped there for the Cowboys, though, as the defending premiers were out-muscled by a Melbourne Storm outfit with a vast weight of possession and went down by six points.
It would appear the key battle for this match is in the forwards, or, more importantly, whether the Broncos can stop the human wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo. He has been making close to 200 metres week in and week out and is a danger every time he touches the football.
At the same time, the Broncos chances of victory are down to their halves, Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt. The Broncos’ attack has been up and down – much like their form throughout the season – and whether they can score enough points hinges on their playmakers.
There’s plenty of big team news to report on. For the Broncos, James Roberts has been suspended for kicking Ryan Simpkins during Brisbane’s win last week, while the Cowboys have been dealt a massive blow with Ethan Lowe being ruled out for the season with a spinal injury.
Antonio Winterstein has also been ruled out of the match through injury, with exciting North Queensland youngster Kalyn Ponga set to make his NRL debut on a massive stage.
Prediction
The Cowboys should get the job done up the middle, and with their spine playing well enough they should win the match. It’s going to be incredibly close, though, and these teams always put on a cracking match.
Cowboys by 1.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this massive NRL Finals match from 7:50pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Jara W
Guest
Not a stab at the Broncos defense. I wouldn't dream of ridiculing either teams efforts last night. I was pointing out the Broncos defensive style had an affect on Taumalolos total metres. Broncos rolled back rather than using the front on rushing style they used against the Storm. It was a monumental effort by Big JT though.
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
Why did Bennett only play Tevita Pangai Junior for the last 5 mins of extra time?
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
NRL stats show 58 missed tackles by the Broncos. In all my stat keeping this year, and dispite the extra time, that 15+% of missed tackles is streets ahead of any other game stat this season.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
To use the last words of the late Steve jobs in describing this game."Wow just wow." Preserve this game for the archives. Sterling summed it up perfectly. with words to the effect"This is it,the way rugby league should be played ,what it's all about,34 players footballers/athletes giving their all,referees spot on,exciting ,unpredictable and the Star being the hero not only throughout the game ,but when it mattered" There are too many superlatives for me to elaborate on.I just sat at home in watching in awe at what unfolded in front of me. If anyone has a whine about that game,they as Gibson would say"Would boo Santa Claus".
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I love the culture the Cowboys seem to be building. We seem to have a lot of clubmen! There are a few players one couldnt imagine leaving. JT2, Hess and Morgs are a few and now i dont think Coote will leave either. Hopefully we do similiar with Ponga.
The Barry
Roar Guru
He was immense. It's a tackle that should have been made but he's not the Lone Ranger in having been beaten by Thurston in the clutch. It's hard to be too critical of a big man falling off a tackle after 85 minutes of the highest paced game I've ever seen.
smn
Guest
what a game
robbo
Guest
best game in a long time better than the last 2 but gee they know how to put on a show!
robbo
Guest
have to agree no controversy at all plenty of 50/50s but that's footy
robbo
Guest
thaiday was enormous as was gillet but agree kostjasyn and hess were also tired watching it
robbo
Guest
that's harsh great game of footy tragic broncs didn't win but you couldn't say it was a try fest without doubt that first half was the frantic felt like 10 minutes sitting on the sofa so on the field was ridiculous
steveng
Roar Rookie
You couldn't fault Cecchin, he is the best referee in the NRL bar none. The Broncs lost because every call was 50/50 which they are not use to, its more like 80/20 for the Broncs. Milford tries to milk every one of his 'play the balls' and gives the touchie a dirty look. lol
Scott Pryde
Expert
Match Results The North Queensland Cowboys have won an absolute thriller in the second NRL semi-final in what may have been the best game of the season by just six-points in extra time over the Brisbane Broncos at 1300 Smiles Stadium. The game was played at a ferocious pace, and going for 90 minutes both teams looked out on their feet for the vast majority in what was a humid Townsville evening. The Broncos dominated the early exchanges, coming out of the gates with more energy but couldn't hold it down despite the play of Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford on the back of a strong forwards showing. North Queensland though, took control of the game with Coen Hess and the wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo playing incredible games, picking up massive metres with every carry. With Johnathan Thurston stepping up at key times and the rest of the team doing their part, they found a way to get the win in what was another incredible game between the two Queensland rivals. The scoring got underway for the Broncos in the fourth minute. After they had survived an attacking raid, they went the length of the field with the help of a penalty and McCullogh would run from dummy half crashing through some soft defence. Coen Hess would then answer back for the Cowboys as they started to seize control on the back of a full field effort set up by Kyle Feldt and Justin O’Neill. It took until the final play of the half for the Broncos to extend their lead after penalty goals each way, with Boyd putting a grubber in, Coote dropping it and Jordan Kahu coming across to score. At half-time then, it was the Broncos ahead 14-6. The furious pace of the game continued in the second half and the end-to-end nature saw plenty of scoring opportunities but none converted until the 57th minute when Justin O'Neill scored the first of his two tries stepping through some very tired looking defence from a Michael Morgan pass. Just a couple of minutes later it was O'Neill going over again as the Cowboys hit the front, running through some soft defence again. The Broncos by that point looked absolutely out on their feet, but somehow found a way to score 11 minutes from time through Corey Oates. With half the team down on their haunches, they launched a raid from dummy half and went the length of the field to hit the front again. Brisbane would hold a two-point lead all the way until the final two minutes of the match, before a disorganised attacking play for North Queensland saw Johnathan Thurston be tripped to ground by Matt Gillett, and then stand up to kick the penalty goal. The first game under the new finals extra time rules saw more end to end play, before Thurston sparked a try for halves partner Michael Morgan right on the bell of the first half, and no points would be scored after that despite opportunities. The Cowboys then, through to the preliminary finals as Corey Parker bows out of the NRL, but whether they have anything left in the tank for the game against Cronulla next week is very questionable. For now though, we can all enjoy what was the game of the season and rivals the grand final from 2015 as the best game we have ever seen. North Queensland Cowboys 26 Brisbane Broncos 20
JoM
Guest
He was great for them. I hope Lowe is OK though and not too seriously injured.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yep, they lost nothing at all replacing Lowe with Hess. He was outstanding both in defence and attack and took a few tough carries. Must have a massive engine and he also has pace to keep up with the backs for his try.
Matth
Guest
Adam Blair tackles extremely hard
Matth
Guest
He's an absolute goer isn't he. You'd love to have him in your team.
Jimmmy
Guest
So do we Muzza. He is a goodun.
Jara W
Guest
He's a beast. But can't read too much into his metres tonight. Broncos don't defend like other teams.
Muzz
Guest
I like Coen Hess.