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.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Parramatta Eels 16
North Queensland Cowboys 24
The North Queensland Cowboys were never supposed to make it this far, but they will be full of confidence for a tough trip to Homebush to face the Parramatta Eels. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the NRL semi-finals from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Cowboys spent the second half of the season proving everyone wrong without Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston, before desperately clinging onto eighth spot on the table.
They looked out of sorts and simply making up the numbers as September arrived, and an elimination final against reigning premiers Cronulla was viewed as a bridge too far for the men from Townsville. It proved to be anything but though, as they kept their season alive for another week with a gritty 15-14 extra-time victory.
North Queensland had to fight for the full 90 minutes, coming from behind to force extra time, before gun half Michael Morgan iced the game with a field goal.
It’s the grit and determination that just might get the Cowboys over the line against the odds again. Morgan has stood up wonderfully in the last six weeks, while Jason Taumalolo, who ran for 252 metres last week, will have to lead from the front.
Standing at the other end of the park is Eels lock Nathan Brown. He has led the engine room all year, but will have his work cut out for him this time around.
The Eels, who surged at the end of the season to finish in the top four, showed more of that form last week, as they went down by two points to the premiership favourites, Melbourne.
Parramatta played a fantastic first half to go into the sheds ahead 10-4. From there though, they imploded, dropping a lot of ball and letting the Storm back into the match.
Brad Arthur’s men are expected to win at home, but their defence will need to be good. The Sharks dropped a lot of ball against the Cowboys last week, but their defence kept them in it.
The Cowboys pressurised defence caused a lot of those errors. Their line speed at times was phenomenal, and they shouldn’t have quite as many problems cracking the Eels’ line.
Prediction
If the Cowboys can defend as they did last week, Parra may not be up for it, with less finals experience in the last 20.
We all wrote the Cowboys off last week, and I refuse to make the same mistake.
Cowboys by 1.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 7:40pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
DJ
Guest
Agreed. Too many passengers in that team. Kenny Edwards has to be the biggest dope in the NRL, or he'd have to be close.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Have you been on the cans? I never said the QRL and NSWRL never existed. I confirmed the point you made that there were no NSWRL or QRL teams in the NRL. Anyway. It's strange that you bag crowd numbers when more people attended the Sydney semi final than the one in Brisbane. Congratulations to the Cowboys, I'm not sure if you've noticed but most Sydney fans are cheering them on.
JVGO
Guest
Flanagan never said that. He said the refs wouldn't be there next week, but I guess you're from Queensland where truth, reality or correct reffing aren't really an issue.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Yes they still exist - NSWRL and QRL. Who do you think conduct the State of Origin - yes those organizations. My point is the fans in Sydney are not responding and supporting their clubs as verified by the numbers (21k) last weekend for the finals and that teams outside NSW are doing much better. So it's fitting that outside teams may play in the grand final which in my opinion should always be played in Sydney. Such a delightful trip to come down from Brisbane to watch the Broncos play the Storm or Cowboys and have such a good time. Goodnight Parramatta. Goodnight Penrith.
Griffo
Guest
I don't TB, but I will drink it if it's handed to me. XXXX Gold is not really offensive, not really anything. Great Northern though, now there's a truly terrible beer!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks Rob, I'll be on the call for all three remaining games of the season.
Matt P
Roar Rookie
Guys, come on, stop raining on my parade!
DJ
Guest
I'm a Broncos fan and I can't see them beating Melbourne.
Rob
Guest
He a class bloke that played a lot of football in NQ. He's a great coach so he won't carry on like the other tool.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Sorry Barry, the wheely bins came out
DJ
Guest
I'm a Broncos fan and I can't see them beating Melbourne.
Duncan Smith
Guest
Tell him he's dreaming.
Rob
Guest
I thought Lowe was a chance in the back row for QLD ahead of Cooper. They have both been so solid on the edges.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't think it matters how scary that MF clown is, we already know the answer to that...????
The Barry
Roar Guru
It's not whether I want it or not. Broncos wee a NSWRL club. But you're right, there's no NSWRL teams and no QRL teams so what's the point of bringing it up?
Matt P
Roar Rookie
This is why we can't have nice things dammit.
Rob
Guest
Thanks for the call Scott. Hope you do the Cowboys game next week.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Damnit Griffo, we've already planned the celebrations
Matt P
Roar Rookie
Morgo to break my heart all over again? ... yeah, that'd be right.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Not any more Barry. Changed when the NRL was born. Broncos started in the NSWRL and changed the game forever. Actually had NSWRL on their original jerseys. Not anymore but I can understand how you would want them to still be a member of the old organization.