Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys highlights: NRL live scores, blog

I didn't think that was an obstruction JCow. It was always on the outside shoulder, Hess was too gassed to compete and tried for the obstruction in my opinion. I think the game changed momentum with a referee call. The penalty called by Shortall for too long in the tackle early in the second half when Kline was actually standing over the play, was a rough call and led to the first of the Sharks tries. They had only just hit the ground and the whistle was shrilling. Changed the momentum completely. However you must make tackles and complete sets to win matches. The Cowboys struggled all game in the centre to make tackles, and Fafita toyed with their clumsiness like he was playing under twelves. The two missed fifth tackle kicks were telling, and the lack of flexibility of coach Green to alter a game plan on the run hurt the Cowboys badly. Five things from that game: 1. Fafita is a game changer, for good or bad. Is he too expensive an option to wear blue? 2. Paul Green is still new to coaching. His lack of flexibility during the changing of momentum in the second half reminded everyone of his lack of experience in the top level of league. Granville should of come on at least five minutes earlier to try and wrestle back the momentum, and Hess was completely gassed and Lowe needed to be back on out wide. I believe the errors in the coaching box were more detrimental to the outcome of the game than the on field errors themselves. 3. Wade Graham is a sure bet for the Blues. An outstanding talent as a junior is now bearing fruit as a senior. His ability to read play and his all round game makes him the most dangerous back rower in the game. 4. Take a bow Scott Bolton. Has huge responsibility and to run out over 150m and 38 tackles in the middle against a brutal pack just shows that he has a big heart. Lolo may get a lot of justified credit, but Bolton is surely the unsung hero in an injury ravaged side. 5. Sharks loss is Broncos gain. Jack Bird is in fantastic form. His name is already on Daleys list. I can not wait to see what Bennett can extract from this wonderful talent. He is a pure center, hopefully they do not make him a make shift half. Overall a good game with plenty of entertainment for all.

2 Things lost this game for the cowboys! 1) Obstruction on Maloney's try - which if the ref's were being consistent should have been a penalty. He made contact with the defender. And the only reason he came into contact with the inside shoulder of the defender is because Hess tried at the last minute to get on the outside of him. Either way. contact and should have been called 2) Inability of Thompson and Coote to complete a kick at the end of sets, sent the sharks up our end twice and scored on both times! Inexcusable mistakes by two play makers who should know how to close a game out better. Three tries - game changed!

Shhhh!

That's a sterling idea, but will the NRL understand that a community focus is the way to progress the game?

Cowboys played really well in the first half but slacked off intensity in the second they didn't match it with the Sharks who have a tendency to up their game in the 50-70 minute marks. Gallen and Fifita had a big impact when they came on for their second stints. He doesn't get a lot of rap but I think Joseph Paulo played well when he came on. Every single game his been in this year, the Sharks have won. For the Cowboys, Taumalolo played awesome his intensity is really good and so scary when his in the opposing 50m. Coote was safe at fullback and took every single ball that went his way, good job. It's unfortunate that Thurston was out, had he bee on it probably would have been the difference. Good game.

Strangely enough they may actually be in 4th by the end of the round!

Well done Sharkies. Good comeback. The Cows can still play without JT. But obviously they need to learn on how to close a game out. And this #beaniesforbraincancer round should become an annual thing for the NRL. Cricket may be our national game and football is the world game. But Rugby League is all about the community.

Great game. Would've been real easy for the Sharks to put that one in the loss column it was looking like one of those nights. By my reckoning 4 of the last 6 NRL matches have involved a 12 point plus comeback. Wonder if it's a sign of teams putting the cue away too early or simply running out of puff. Something tells me we're in for a wild and whacky second half of the season.

Sharks had to much muscle in the middle and off the bench. Hampton should not be playing in my opinion. Cowboys were destroyed up the middle and it was predictable after the Eels loss. Jensen and Leary are far better opposition off the bench considering the lack of front row depth. The game came down to goal kicks and some poor last plays. Fafita was a handful and players down want to tackle his rib cage.

They're actually first at the moment.....

Enjoyed that game Scott, was a good one... good call as well mate!

It was a good game mate.... actually helped the Sharks produce their best in that 2nd half - good to see. Really enjoyed that match, great performance from the cows too!

Congrats Scott, you called it by 4. Sharks defence won it for them, their up and in your face hits just scared the Cows into submission.

Should have een etter ut that rubbish ref decision cost us th game