The class of 2017 graduated with flying colours for North Queensland as the injury-hit Cowboys held out the Gold Coast Titans for a 32-26 win in Saturday night’s NRL clash.
Backrower Coen Hess – just 20 – showed why he has already been earmarked for a Queensland State of Origin spot after just five NRL starts, crossing for two barnstorming tries.
Fullback Kalyn Ponga – only 18 – helped co-captain Johnathan Thurston spark a depleted Cowboys backline, crossing for his maiden NRL try in front of a crowd of 17,647 at Cbus Super Stadium.
For good measure, Ponga had a hand in setting up a first half four-pointer for 19-year-old debutant Gideon Gela-Mosby.
Then again, North Queensland needed something special after Test centre Justin O’Neill was this week added to a Cowboys injury list that already features prop Matt Scott, fullback Lachlan Coote and winger Antonio Winterstein.
They were also without reigning Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo, who is serving a suspension for a shoulder charge.
However, North Queensland still bounced back from last round’s flat 30-8 loss to Manly with a stirring display against an equally injury-riddled Titans outfit.
In just his 12th NRL game, Hess was unstoppable near the line, muscling his way over for tries in the 61st and 71st minutes to put the result beyond doubt.
The 110kg, 190cm Hess made seven tackle busts.
Ponga ran for 110 metres and made two line breaks.
It marked North Queensland’s first win on the Gold Coast since Round 20, 2011.
They may have worn out their welcome with the win but North Queensland aren’t leaving any time soon.
The Cowboys weathered a Titans storm but an even bigger one awaits in hometown Townsville – Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
The Cowboys were told before kickoff that all flights to Townsville on Sunday had been cancelled with the cyclone expected to cross the Queensland coast near Townsville on Tuesday morning as a Category Four system with winds of up to 260kph.
North Queensland got off to their whirlwind start on Saturday night, jumping to a 10-0 lead by the 19th minute and a 20-12 buffer by halftime.
By the 15th minute the Cowboys had enjoyed 78 per cent possession and completed all 12 of their sets.
North Queensland regained all the momentum by the break after Ponga set up Gela-Mosby (34th minute) then ran off Thurston to help himself to one of his own in the 38th.
Alarm bells were ringing for Dale Copley when a knock-on sabotaged his first run for the Titans but the centre redeemed himself with a try-scoring double on Gold Coast debut.
Titans co-captain Ryan James may attract the match review committee’s scrutiny for his 18th minute hit on Cowboys prop Patrick Kaufusi.
Titans forward Agnatius Paasi suffered a suspected right shoulder injury.
kk
Roar Pro
Every genuine NRL fan enjoys what the Titans bring to the game. To get within 6 points is an indicator of the underlying strength of your team. SF, Thanks for that info on Proctor and James. Huge difference if they miss next week at Mt Smart. My first thoughts were Titans to win. Now,Red Alert!. If the Warriors decide to turn up the game could go either way.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
In defense of Proctor I believe that he is currently playing injured with a shoulder since he carried since Round 1. He might have been rested if the Titans were suffering an injury crisis. Not sure how he gets it healed while still playing and there will come a time that he will need 2-3 weeks to fix ti properly. Re: James - I agree. The shoulder charge that is going to cost him the game against NZ this weekend coming was a lazy play. I will add a Point 6 to your set above - a great crowd, and the biggest home crowd of season for the Titans. There is support here on the GC and the Club is building the foundations for the future. By comparison the Suns v Lions game at Metricon Stadium was about 5K less on the same night.
Rob
Guest
Exciting times ahead if Green is willing to believe in the youth he has at his disposal. The Cowboys have more points in them with the youngsters Ponga, Bowen and GG Mosby on the field. Hess playing longer minutes is adding some serious punch on the right edge, but he could be just the man to pickup the go forward that they have lost with Scott being out. Taumalolo will bring back the go forward through the middle they have missed in the last 2 weeks. O'Neill has to replace Linnett when fit.
kk
Roar Pro
Notes from CBus. 1. Cowboys are a danger to every team in the comp. especially with 'Lolo' back. 2.The Proctor that turned up yesterday was an expensive error plagued version of a very ordinary player. Moreover he knew it. A repeat would have him Queensland Cup bound as Kevin Dud. The final score speaks volumes for his team mates. 3. Ryan James seems to be off the boil. 4. My respect for Neil Henry grows every time I hear him speak. 5. Grant Atkins has the makings of a ace referee. The catch up penalties in the latter part of the game had me wondering if he had done a 'Gerard Sutton' and called for an update on the penalty count.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Cows as usual have the depth.Ponga a great buy for the Knights.Hess is a giant among men and definitely SOO material.Titans played consistently well ,and judging by their crowds of late,finlaly being accepted back into the GC community,after all the dramas of the past. Henry is a good coach which helps their cause.
Jimmmy
Guest
Great to be at this game to see the mighty Cows. We had a dream start but to give the Titans their due they never went away. The game is so much better live than on the Tube . My God it's a tough game . I begrudge no one who plays it their salary. You tipped me off about Hess, KC and you were so right. He is going to be a Colossus for the Cows. How strong is he ? Plus the skill he has in getting the ball down when surrounded by four players, WOW. He and Lolo give us the bones of a very good pack. We just need one more big body I reckon. What is Greeny going to do with Ponga and GG-M ? They are both real X factor players and both stay in the side for mine. GGM would not be out of place at the Summer Nats.