The North Queensland Cowboys have defeated a hard-working and determined Newcastle Knights outfit this Saturday afternoon in Townsville.
The Cowboys led early before the Knights scored two quick tries to take a shock 12-6 lead, the Cowboys responded however and reduced the deficit to two points by half-time with the Knights leading 12-10 at the break.
The Cowboys controlled the second half and despite some nervous moments at times seemed fairly in control to stroll to a 24-12 win.
In the first half the Cowboys dominated taking an early lead with Gavin Cooper crashing over to make it 4-0 in the 8th minute.
A penalty goal gave the North Queensland outfit a 6-0 lead before Newcastle responded against the run of play with Nathan Ross scoring after some great passing play down the left.
Soon the Knights were in again with Elliot bursting through a hole to score a length of the field try and give Newcastle a 12-6 lead.
Three minutes before half-time, however, Kevin Ponga burst through a gap to reduce the margin to two points. The Knights were 12-10 up at the break.
The second half had the Cowboys dominating once again and soon they took the lead with Linnett crashing over on the left-hand side to give them a four-point advantage.
Soon, Ponga had a double and scored to make it 22-12 before a penalty goal by Feldt made the score 24-12 and the North Queensland side in total control.
The Cowboys then coasted to full time, winning a tough and heavily contested match against a determined Newcastle outfit.
Final score
North Queensland Cowboys 24
Newcastle Knights 12
Herman Hoth
Guest
You're goddamn right. He could be used better, often is. Last night wasn't.
The eye
Guest
Thats what I'm talking about..
Herman Hoth
Guest
When the Cowboy's attack is firing, Taumy is sometimes used as a ball playing first receiver, or can even hit the line from an inside ball a la' Billy Slater. Last night the Cowboys had a simpler gameplan and rightly so, it got the job done.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Mullen is self-inflicted by the player, not the club as a whole; especially with how late in the off-season his positive test happened they've really had no chance to replace him. If Hodkinson was really dropped for form, I think he'd have played reserve grade which wasn't the case. I'd say it's more likely that he was rested due to his knee problems and Brown didn't want a media circus like the Roosters got when they rested Latrell Mitchell a couple of weeks ago. I think both sides could see a lot of errors to fix too; Knights had some poor drops and defensive movements.
The eye
Guest
I thought the Knights were in that game far longer than they were entitled to be. Cowboys attack was pretty easy to read,Taumalolo could be used far better in my view than a pure 1st off the ruck battering ram..
Herman Hoth
Guest
Fair enough point. Mullen's absence is self-inflicted, and Hodkinson was dropped for form related reasons. Point being that the Knights scored a fortuitous try and the Cowboys defended more resolutely and made more opportunities to score. Coen Hess only needed to catch a pass and he would have scored, Winterstein went within a cat's whisker of scoring also.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The Knights didn't have a good chunk of their first choice spine either -- Phythian, Mullen, and Hodkinson all not present for various reasons, along with some of the Plan B choices at hooker.
Herman Hoth
Guest
The Knights were lucky to be in the contest at all. Take 3/4 starting players out of any teams spine and their cohesion will suffer. The Cowboys forwards rolled their sleeves up tonight and contributed heavily toward the win. Bolton played big minutes, and Lowe/Cooper had their best games of the season. Feldt enjoyed a consistent and error free game. Winsterstien’s experience made a huge difference. Asiata is making a case to play 5/8th when Thurston returns with Morgan being dropped to the Pride
Big Daddy
Guest
A side comment on Newcastle. The NRL reported in today's Newcastle herald are really pushing for Wests Newcastle to buy the Knight's. Its very obvious they cannot get a buyer and the board (wests)are split on this. If wests don't take up NRL offer they could consider a relocation. No one from NRL has said this just media talk. Any comments from people with inside knowledge.