A Michael Morgan masterclass has allowed the North Queensland Cowboys to defy the odds for a second straight week, winning their semi-final by eight points against the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium.
Morgan was by far the best player on the field, his kicking game paving the way for the Cowboys to get over the Eels, before he took on the line five minutes from fulltime and scored the winning try.
It would be hard to find a more complete performance throughout the finals than what the Cowboys produced in the semi-final. The first half was of the highest quality though, with the Eels also playing top notch footy.
The writing may have been on the wall for the men in blue and gold as the sides went to halftime though. Despite leading 10-6, the Eels had struggled to score close to the line. The Cowboys goalline defence was essentially got them through last week against the Sharks, and it was on fire again.
Heading into the break, it was a pair of long-range tries to the Eels, both off Cowboys kicks. The first of those saw Semi Radradra latch onto a kick and run 100 metres, before Will Smith deflected a grubber and ran 90 as well.
The Cowboys scored one in the middle of those, with Kyle Feldt producing a miracle to keep his body above the ground and go over in the corner.
North Queensland started the second half off in perfect fashion. They forced an error out of the Eels almost immediately and with Morgan bombing from 45 metres out, it took a determined effort from John Asiata to pinch the ball away from Will Smith and score behind the posts.
It set the tone for the second half as the Eels collapsed in a heap. Their attacking game went out the back window, they made a stack of errors and let the tension of the game get to them, having to spend much of the next half hour defending.
The Cowboys moved further in front in the 52nd minute when Coen Hess went over to score off a marvellous inside ball from Te Maire Martin.
They led by eight points at that point, and even though they didn’t score again, Morgan took over the game. His kicking kept them in control, with dropouts forced left, right and centre. It all became too much for the Eels, with Morgan eventually crossing for another try six minutes from fulltime to ice the game.
Michael Jennings scored a consolation try in the final minute, but that’s all it was. Nothing more, and the Eels season has come to an end in what was a very disappointing performance.
The Cowboys now move on and play the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium next Saturday for the spot in the grand final.
BleakCity
Roar Rookie
Nice to see winners with grace & humility Cald & Adsa...
Albo
Guest
I tend to agree that the Eels gave plenty in Melbourne last week leaving them flat this week. They couldn't lift their intensity against the Cowboys. The loss of Alvaro early didn't help them, but I thought the halves failed to control the team's destiny. I think Norman in particular was disappointing ( maybe carrying an injury ? ) in directing the team and Moses threw a few awful passes that blunted their attack. As game as they are Will Smith & Cameron King as half the Eels spine and Moses & Norman having ordinary performances as the other half, could only end in tears whilst Morgan was conducting a masterclass on the other side.
Albo
Guest
Outside of the game management masterclass put on by Morgan, I thought Ethan Lowe was enormous for the Cowboys. He epitomises the Cowboys spirit that has been carrying them thus far through the finals series. Their whole pack is following the lead, and they will be hard to beat again next week for the Chooks. Lowe and Cooper are not underrated by anyone that knows the game. I'm still filthy the Panthers let Cooper go back to Townsville a few years back.
canetoad
Guest
I agree, the atmosphere was awesome thanks to the Eels supporter turnout, well done, I was worried for the Cowboys to win this with the likes of Norman & Moses, I think the Eels with coach Arthur will be easily back in the top 8 again next year.
Griffo
Guest
The only mistake Cecchin mad was making a "T" whilst saying no try but he corrected himself shortly thereafter. Good show by the boys in.... were they wearing red last night?
Ha
Guest
14,000 people for a Semi Finals is a code in crisis!!!!!
Emcie
Roar Guru
Yeah, I still don't see the titans broncos games as QLD derbies. Back when Rogers and Prince were running around sure, but its hard to see them as a QLD side when their marque signings since have been Blues players like Bird, Peats and Hayne and if Daley ends up coaching them that'll just about seal it.
Dier-ba-zor
Guest
It's not a drastic difference.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Cowboys too good, Eels too dumb as ever.
Rob
Guest
TB. Linnett has a shocking habit of dropping the ball with the try line wide open or completely missing a try scoring opportunity by not passing to an a marked support. I think he may also challenge for the record of the players most held up over the line. One season he was held up on 8 occasions and i think in 3 of those games if he scores we win. I have never been forgiving of backs that get into the in goal area and fail to get the ball down. The fact is everyone seen him drop JT's pass in 2015 GF, J.Morris knock the ball out as he was putting it down in semi final 2013, stupid block penalty against Roosters final with game ending 30-32 loss. I pull my hair out every weekend. Really solid defender but but hopeless in attack. I think he could of helped Feldt by straightening but i'm over the moon he gave it to Feldt to weave some magic.
Your kidding
Guest
Well done Cowboys. Deserved the win and well done to the Parramatta supporters for turning up.
RM
Guest
this Cowboys team is everything that's great about rugby league. the sheer toughness they are playing with, the guts they have shown to keep turning up when most thought their season was done. Players getting up again and again and playing through pain so they don't let their mates down. And then you through in some speed, skills and footy-smarts that were on display last night, especially by Morgan...absolutely fantastic. I hope they beat the Roosters next week (then lose to the Broncos in the GF!) On a side note, I've been very impressed over the past month or so with Corey Jensen. Hasn't been getting many plaudits but he has improved a lot and was genuinely excellent last night, coming off the bench and running over 100m with some good defence as well. Another promising young forward for the Cowboys
Matt P
Roar Rookie
In my experience, you're right regarding the "perceived power base" and the attitudes around that. As a Broncs fan, I always support the Cowboys second, and then look for my preferred Queensland players when I don't care about the actual teams. Not the Titans, though. The Titans are that embarrassing 5-yo cousin from the weird side of the family you don't want anything to do with.
Lovey
Guest
Having come from there, I am not knocking Queenslanders. I just think it is human nature and I guess frontier or more "outpost" areas feel those bonds more strongly particularly when competing against the perceived power base. I experienced the exact same attitude in WA and the NT. It is probably a good thing. But I do think it is diminishing over time.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Nice post Rob
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Don't go counting "chickens " just yet WDD.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
As a roosters fan , I didn't like what I was seeing last night.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Terrific effort by the Cowboys last night. The spirit shown by this team is amazing. I shake my head at how well Morgan and Taumololo are going but the support cast is just as important. And credit needs to be given to the coach for getting the maximum out of the squad he's got. Seeing the camaradarie among the team as they sat around downing a few beers after the match cracking a few jokes showed me what team sport is all about and why you play the game. And seeing JT walking around handing out beers and cleaning up showed what a great culture of support they have. On the flipside I thought the Eels were very disappointing in the second half. Corey Norman needed to step up but went missing when they needed him most. There is a distinct possibility that it could be a Storm vs Cowboys GF and the way the Cowboys are going you'd be foolish to write off their chances of going all the way. If they do it will go down as one of the greatest team and coaching performances of all time.
nopuritan
Guest
Womblat, i'm with you all the way. Ethan Lowe's chase which ultimately stopped the conversion was the turning point. The Cowboys never looked back and Parra never looked up from that moment.
Rob
Guest
Speaking as a QLD'er who supports the Cowboys, I have no secondary love for the Broncos. They have arrogantly given it to the Cowboys since 1995 whilst there team was full of local NQ boys. Not much different to NSW did prior to SOO. If my team drops out of the race for the premiership I will simple watch on and cheer for the team who I believe is playing the best and fairest. If that team has a few local NQ boys playing for them then there's also a good chance I will support them. I use to support the Sharks when Rodgers and Miller were playing. I supported the Bears when Kiss, Graham and Larson were playing. I enjoyed supporting Souths when Mario, Colman and Davison made the finals. I supported Bulldogs when they played Manly in the GF, because everyone hated the Silver Tails. Sorry E.J, W.E. and Manly people. My back up team is the Storm because I regard Cameron Smith as one of the best player ever and he gets his team to plays at such a high standard. Slater is also NQ legend. But it will change if they start acting and playing like Flanagan, Gallen, Fafita, Prior and Wade Graham do at times.