The North Queensland Cowboys, despite not leading until the 85th minute, have won an extra time classic over the Cronulla Sharks after a Michael Morgan field goal.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Cronulla Sharks 14
North Queensland Cowboys 15
Reigning premiers the Cronulla Sharks will go into their elimination final as red-hot favourites, but standing in their way are the always brave North Queensland Cowboys. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:10pm (AEST).
While the Sharks are always there and abouts, the Cowboys have had to fight every step of the way in the run to the finals. They snuck into the top eight, holding their spot with the Dragons losing to the Bulldogs in the final round.
Brave is the word used to describe North Queensland’s season. No Johnathan Thurston and no Matt Scott hurt them, but they have had a slew of other injuries throughout the season, particularly over the last two months.
A gutsy comeback win against the Tigers in Round 25 helped their retain their spot, and while they lost to the Broncos in Round 26, this is a side who have worked hard every step of the way.
They have had to fight for wins, their forwards have stood up when it’s counted most. Jason Taumalolo, who has averaged more than 200 metres per game has led from the front, and been backed up well by Scott Bolton, Gavin Cooper and John Asiata throughout.
Along with their bench forwards, who have been led in recent weeks by veteran Shaun Fensom, the whole pack must be at the top of their game.
If there’s one thing you know you’ll get from the Sharks, it’s a grinding, gritty sort of game. Andre Fifita, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham and Paul Gallen will make sure of it. They will ensure it’s low-scoring and played through the middle third of the field.
The problem for the Sharks, who missed out on a top four spot, finishing fourth is that they have looked fatigued, and the form of James Maloney has been inconsistent at best.
Maloney has been trying to force plays, and it’s led to the Sharks having to do more defence than they otherwise would have in most games this season. If he and Chad Townsend can’t control things, then it’ll bring the Cowboys big pack right into this game.
Despite that, the Sharks have other attacking weapons. Graham and Lewis themselves have both been in good form, while young gun Valentine Holmes is a sensational runner of the ball at the back.
Prediction
The Sharks haven’t been setting the world on fire, but the Cowboys simply won’t have the petrol to go with Cronulla. Their injuries have caught up with them, and they will be knocked out in a close one.
Sharks by 4.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this elimination final from 4:10pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment below
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
That would be a complete and utter disaster.
the Phantom Bantam
Guest
Flanagan is a sore loser ,just like Barrett.... why whinge when things go against you...? some days decisions go your way,,,and on other days they dont.. whingeing doesnt change a result... but by God it can make a coach look bad
Scott Pryde
Expert
An amalgamation between Super League and NRL? Where have you heard that Paul? That's one of the most outlandish plans ever, and it certainly hasn't been talked up one little bit here in Aus.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Just keep playing until there's a score. There is no end to the game while it's locked up.
Brian S
Guest
So what happens if it's still even after 10 mins ? !
Paul
Guest
Hey RN, thing is I'm a Wigan can, just hate to see a good game spoilt by incompetence. There's talk about an amalgamation between Super League & NRL. Might not be a bad thing, at least then there would be people who know the rules & how to interpret them having an input.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I know you're finding joy in the fact the sharks never "clicked" EJ but to say it was a limp defence is a pretty subjective comment without much behind it. Of the previous 10 legitimate premiers (excl. Storm 07 & 09) only 3 have managed to win a game in the finals (all 3 only managed just the solitary win in their campaign)... 5 of the defending premiers bowed out without a win (like the sharks) and 2 of them failed to make the finals altogether. I'm dissapointed we didn't see the Sharks play to their potential during the year but it was still a decent season and they've ended up bowing out at the same point majority of the reigning premiers do. A lot of experts were saying they wouldn't make the 8 so it's not the way anyone at the club would've wanted to bow out but it's not disgraceful.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Grassy knoll was actually a bunker...it was one of the video refs that did it.
R N
Roar Rookie
Hi Paul... love the emotion, I also become nonsensical when my team goes down!
Jimmmy
Guest
An NRL Ref killed JFK, you can see him on the grassy knoll if you look real hard.
jeandetroyes
Guest
Too right! While we're at it - who really killed JFK and isn't about time we spoke up about the REAL reason behind US National Parks system (ie protection for aliens)? There really should be an IQ test before people are allowed to post on The Roar.
Matt
Guest
Sounds like someone likes their grapes sour.
R N
Roar Rookie
Make sure you got enough spray or tablets for next week Jimmmy... cant see the Cows romping home over anyone but we might snag a few close ones! Not good for the overall health of their fans!
Bigj
Guest
Awesome game best game by the Cowboys i think probably with the exception of round four against the Broncos. Eels should not take the Cowboys to lightly next week
Adam
Guest
Blah blah blah. Sore loser?
yung
Guest
nah mate, MM can tackle
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
As much as I detest the Sharks, I gave the Cowboys little chance. Though the Sharks have fluked 4 or 5 close wins in 2017, I was another who assumed away from home and missing key players was a bridge too far. I forgot the size of the ticker in each cowboy. Much bigger on average than the Sharks "superstars". Electrifying last 15 minutes.
Jimmmy
Guest
I had to take my Anginine.
Lifeafter JT
Guest
On paper Sharks should've won this easy just be comparing their experience ie Gallan, Lewis, Friend etc. I only watched the first half mostly, but from what I could see - MM is really becoming the next JT (I know early stages but great signs are there!). Cowboys are sluggish to start, its almost as if they absorb the pressure in the first half (they did try some plays, but were sluggish) but then when things click they are near unbeatable! The mental big game experience really helped them close out this game!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
The only team I really thought that could do it were the Roosters in 2014. No travel for the WCC. Much the same team. Minor Premiers. But nope. All too hard.