It is a grand final rematch as Johnathan Thurston’s North Queensland Cowboys come up against Cameron Smith’s Melbourne Storm. Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
Despite going into the season as heavy premiership favourites, the Cowboys sit second last, having failed to find form so far in 2018, with only three wins to their name.
Last week, Paul Green prompted changes to their spine, moving Michael Morgan to fullback and Te Maire Martin to five-eighth, and it nearly paid off as they only narrowly went down against the in-form Rabbitohs, 20-19.
Green has decided to name the same 17 this week, and will be requiring a huge effort from his middle men, including Jason Taumalolo and Matthew Scott, who need to win the battle against a physical Melbourne pack.
The Storm were beaten in a controversial and at times brutal game against archrivals Manly last week. With Cameron Smith suspended, the reigning premiers went down 24-4 as they were left undermanned through send-offs and suspensions.
Curtis Scott has copped a two-week ban for punching Dylan Walker, however the Storm get a huge boost with the return of their skipper Smith and prop Jesse Bromwich.
There will be positional battles across the park, with a host of Queensland Origin veterans and hopefuls in both teams. All eyes will be on the battle at fullback between Michael Morgan and Billy Slater, with Morgan looking to secure a utility spot for the Maroons.
The acrobatic Kyle Feldt comes up against speed-demon Josh Addo-Carr, while Cameron Munster locks horns with Thurston. Jake Granville will be auditioning to fill Smith’s boots in the Origin arena, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona sizes up Matthew Scott.
North Queensland have traditionally struggled against Melbourne, winning just ten of 37 fixtures played between the two teams.
In fact, the Cowboys have won only two of their last ten against the Storm, their last victory coming in the 2015 preliminary finals when they secured a grand final berth with a 32-12 victory in Melbourne.
The last meeting between the two came during Round 3, as the Storm ran away with a 30-14 win at AAMI Park.
Prediction
The Storm will bounce back in a low-scoring fixture.
Storm by 8.
Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
DP. Schaefer
Guest
Well Done Joe. I would have been if Morgan could kick a ball out.. Fundamentals. Cows had all the opportunities in the world to win this.
RM
Guest
Yeah for a team that was so good at forcing repeat sets, their kicking game has absolutely deserted them. Thurstan, Morgan and Martin all kicked it dead/on the full in goal numerous times. Just couldn't build any pressure all night. Add that to some appalling ball security (I think they had 9/16 completions at one stage in the first half) and you have the answer to why the Cowboys lost the game. Green really needs to earn his money as a coach here. He had a decent enough plan in moving Morgan to fullback to get him running again, and he seems to have told Granville to start darting out of dummy half again after his running game also deserted him for the first two months of the competition - but that is all pretty superficial stuff. He needed to recognise the problems with his team much, much earlier and make some tough calls. What happened to the good old "have a couple of games in reserve grade to regain some form/confidence"? He could have done that to any number of players as long as 6 weeks ago when it became clear the team had problems. From here, he needs to realize the season is done and start planning ahead for the future. He needs to think about the players he has and the game plan he has, and whether or not he is flexible enough with both of those things. Surely there is young talent in the Cowboys system that could start seeing game time.
RM
Guest
My word that was a rubbish game of rugby league from all concerned. Players from both sides, refs, touchies...everyone. Thought there were a few dud calls against the Cowboys in particular, but they played such atrocious footy for the entire game that there was no way they deserved to win. Out of interest, how many times has a Grand Finalist collected the wooden spoon the following season? That's the standard the Cowboys are playing at.
R N
Roar Rookie
Cows need to get in front of a mirror and fat shame themselves! I was proud of their losses last year, they where full of effort and tenacity. This year, a whole lot of complaining and laying on the ground when there is a chance to put something on... frustrating to watch. They seem unfit and unmotivated. Whoever is the performance coach should hand in his resignation or commit harakiri. addendum - All these guys are at a level of fitness that I have never achieved... in fact I am all the things I have accused the team I follow of being... and that's why I am so upset with them!
thomas c
Guest
Both sides were clunky. Felt there was a case that the Cowboys should have gotten a penalty in field goal range in the last few minutes. I think the Cowboys are one of the more physical sides and are better suited to give Melbourne a workout. But only scoring one try is weak. And the cowboys kicking was very subpar. Even if your attack is terrible, you should be able to create some danger with some bombs or put some grubbers in to force repeats. A lot of kicking dead.
Joe
Roar Rookie
3 from 3 tipping so far.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm. There’s plenty more sporting action this weekend on The Roar with the NRL, AFL, Super Rugby, Formula One and NBA Playoffs. Thanks for following along.
Stu
Guest
Fastest game I’ve seen this year so far.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good Jarome will get more game time at fullback during Origin period. He is too good to be playing Q-Cup. Need more first grade time. Really hope they find a spot for him somewhere in that backline. Might as well just go all out attack in the halves and pick Munster and Hughes.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Much improved at fullback but I agree. Ponga a much better option as a bench utility with Munster and Hunt in the halves.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I don't think Queensland should risk Morgan. Not with the talent they have at their disposal.
Peter Phelps
Guest
Gee these two teams are hard to watch this year. Lot of guts and effort but ....
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t think so...it was one of those unfortunate ones... JT13 didn’t do too much wrong, just wrong place, wrong time...
Joe
Roar Rookie
Storm hang on for the win..just. The game was a snapshot of the two teams seasons so far...clunky attack and errors at key moments.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Roarers, what are your thoughts from this cracking grand final rematch?
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Melbourne Storm have held on for a one-point victory over the Cowboys. North Queensland Cowboys 6 Melbourne Storm 7
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yes!
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
NO TRY! 80' Felise Kaufusi knocks on but it won't have any bearing on the scoreboard North Queensland Cowboys 6 Melbourne Storm 7
The Barry
Roar Guru
My head to head SC opponent has Kaufusi in his team...
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
DECISION PENDING... 80' Cameron Smith tackle on the last, turnover. They play pass the parcel on their own tryline, Felise Kaufusi bounces on the loose ball and he scores to secure the win. On-field decision is try. North Queensland Cowboys 6 Melbourne Storm 7