A masterclass from returning superstar Johnathan Thurston has led North Queensland to a 32-6 NRL thumping of Parramatta in Darwin.
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Final score
Parramatta Eels 6
North Queensland Cowboys 32
The Parramatta Eels will be attempting to keep their undefeated streak in Darwin alive, but standing in their way is the North Queensland Cowboys, with Johnathan Thurston again slated for a return. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEST).
The Eels have played one game per season in the top end since 2014, winning all of them against the Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans respectively.
Now it’s the Cowboys turn to try their hand at beating Parramatta in Darwin, and they look to be in with a good chance of doing so.
In typical Darwin fashion, it’s going to be a scorcher – 31 degrees cooling to about 27 by kick-off, and that could hurt the Eels, with the Cowboys used to the heat in Townsville.
Parramatta come into the contest having notched a win over the New Zealand Warriors last week. It was a gutsy performance from Brad Arthur’s men, who had just one man on the bench by full time as injuries took their toll.
Still, there hasn’t been a great deal of specialness about beating the Warriors this season. But with Mitchell Moses starting to fire on attack, combining beautifully with Clint Gutherson and Bevan French somewhere near his devastating best, the Eels have a very strong spine who can unleash at any moment.
Their forwards though, have been a little out of sorts and they find themselves clinging onto a spot in the top eight. Josh Hoffman is out this week as well, but Tim Mannah is back with Corey Norman also a chance.
The Cowboys, on the other hand have been eagerly awaiting the return of Johnathan Thurston. The best player in the game hasn’t been seen in a North Queensland uniform for over a month, but has been named on the reserves list for the last fortnight after missing Origin 1.
Other injuries hampered the Cowboys progress, with other key members Lachlan Coote and Jake Granville both being sidelined. Without them, the pressure was on Michael Morgan, and with their forwards not standing strong he got rolled.
Granville and Coote coming back has improved their fortunes but despite a win over the Titans last week, they will be concerned by only being able to score 20 points with 65 per cent possession.
Still, they controlled the game from the outset and it’s that level the Cowboys have played at over the last few years – and one they will need to stay at if they are to improve from their current seventh position.
Prediction
The Cowboys controlled the action last week. They won’t do it for 80 minutes against the Eels, but the second half could see them march away in the heat of Darwin.
Cowboys by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this game from 7:30pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Scott Pryde
Expert
This is true - But Thurston will find a way to pull a rabbit out of the hat as he always does.
Rob
Guest
NSW are a lot better than the Eels. LOL
Scott Pryde
Expert
No worries Rob - thanks for your comments. Yep, JT looked really good. Scares me what he will be able to do in Origin.
Rob
Guest
Thanks Scott. JT looked good fresh from a spell. The Cowboys may have gained a lot by playing without him for a while. The Eels plan seemed to be all about giving JT a hard time with late shots and winning the wrestle with niggle. They forgot about playing football in my opinion.
Scott Pryde
Expert
» Click here to read the full match report Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 NRL Season as the North Queensland Cowboys hammered the Parramatta Eels. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. The NRL will continue tomorrow on The Roar from 4pm (AEST) as the Sydney Roosters host the Wests Tigers. Alan Nicolea will bring you that one. I'm switching straight over to Stage 7 of the Criterium du Dauphine. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME The Eels get a full set out with Moses putting a bomb up, but it rolls away over the dead ball line and the Cowboys have recorded a dominant victory. Johnathan Thurston is back with a bang, their forwards dominated from start to finish and the Eels just didn't look in the same category. Parramatta Eels 6 North Queensland Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
79' - Time just ticking away now. Not much drama left in this one. The Cowboys come to halfway before Granville kicks, but can't find the sideline with Radradra bringing it back. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
78' - Radradra brings it away for the Eels now before Matagi winds up and then Moses takes off down the right, linking with Davis who is brought to ground by Thurston 40 out. Edwards back through the middle before he finds Ma'u with a short ball. Norman a grubber on the last and Feldt will bring it out of the corner. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Rob
Guest
Since half time the Eels have stopped the over the top rubbish and just started playing football. They look much better for it but it's taken 65 minutes.
Scott Pryde
Expert
77' - The Cowboys moving down field here and it's an offload to Granville before he links with Thurston who finds Asiata and he is tackled 15 out, standing in the tackle. Morgan heads back to the post and he has offloaded it straight to Tim Mannah who was on the ground. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
76' - Radradra and Davis bring the Eels out of their own red-zone before Moeroa goes to Norman and he looks to offload on halfway for Moses, but it's been dropped. Moses and Coote with a bit of push and shove. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
75' - The Cowboys bringing it out of their own reasonably well, but still just going through the motions. Coote with a grubber from halfway on the last and French brings it back. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
74' - Alvaro rolls forward on the first before Mannah cuts to the right and is put on his back 15 metres out. Back through the middle and Alvaro is taken to ground before Mau has it on th left, offloads to Smith and then he goes long to Moses who slips over. Norman right to Gutherson and he can't get through. Last play with Norman kicking - it's gone to ground and it's a two-way knock-on, first off the Eels. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
73' - The Cowboys now with an error coming out of their own end. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
72' - The Eels start this set on halfway and work it up the middle of the park onto the attack. Ma'u and Moeroa both look dangerous inside 20 before Moses rolls a grubber kick through for the corner. It's just held up enough and Davis wants to claim a try. Up to the bunker with an on field call of no try. It will remain that way. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
71' - The Eels now pick up a penalty coming out of their own end. Eels 6 Cowboys 32
Cald
Guest
Sloppy defence from the Cows there, that won't help Cooper to get back into Origin!
Joe
Roar Rookie
What a masterclass bu JT. Awesome to watch when he's in this form. Huge difference between him and Norman after returning from injury. JT hasn't missed a beat.
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL by CLINT GUTHERSON Eels 6 Cowboys 32