It’s a wooden spoon battle as the Parramatta Eels take on the North Queensland Cowboys in Johnathan Thurston’s last game in Townsville. Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for live coverage of the match.
Following 16 seasons in first grade, Johnathan Thurston will retire having played over 300 games, winning two premierships and representing Australia and Queensland.
Yet the Cowboys skipper will play his final home game in Townsville against Parra in a match that may well decide the wooden spoon, with North Queensland narrowly behind the Eels, in 16th position, based on for-and-against.
The home side are coming off the back of a 28-16 loss at the hands of the Sharks. However, they welcome back star forwards Matthew Scott and Jason Taumalolo, seeing Scott Bolton and John Asiata relegated to the bench.
JT has helped spark a late turnaround, finding form in recent weeks after a slow start to the 2018 season.
As for the Eels, last week they went down 20-4 to the first-placed Storm in a spirited performance. Parramatta can take confidence out of the game with their backline and halves hitting the right note.
However, this week they lose the injured Nathan Brown, prompting Brad Arthur to move Peni Terepo to lock. Kane Evans will start at prop, with Tepai Moeroa playing in the back row, while Tim Mannah, Cameron King and Brad Takairangi will all come off the bench.
The Eels have traditionally struggled in Townsville, winning six games from 16 fixtures at 1300Smiles Stadium. Overall they hold 20 wins compared to the Cowboys’ 16 victories, winning 20-14 in the Top End back in Round 14 of this year.
Prediction
Johnathan Thurston will experience one last hurrah in Townsville, putting the Eels in wooden spoon strife.
Cowboys by 4.
Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Paul
Guest
Let's get real, a sin bin for offside! 3 crusher tackles, which could cripple a player, are ok. Greenberg stated that the NRL are committed to protecting the players. So sin binning for offside when there is minimal contact is their idea of protection. It's ok to straight arm a player around the neck, you won't get more than a week for that. As for tonight's game. If you want to give a "Legend"? Such as Thurston a feel good match give them a friendly testimonial match.
Griffo
Guest
Nice words TB. I can tell you there was a lot of good feeling at the ground. Even most of the Parramatta supporters who were there stuck around for the post match presentation. I consider myself very lucky to have seen this guy play so many times and even luckier that he played for my team (your team too). It was a great way to say farewell and none of the players were going to let him down tonight.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’ve spent the evening with one eye on the game (volume down) one eye on the roar, listening to Courtney Barnett on the stereo (going to her gig at the opera house tomorrow night) and having a drink with the missus. What a legend JT is. This felt like his real farewell and next week will be the sequel. It’s a shame when supposed fans of the game gronk it up with nonsense on a night like this. Surely whatever team you support, however your team is travelling we can put the conspiracy theories aside and acknowledge how good JT is and has been and appreciate everything we’ve seen. Good onya JT. PS especially on a day when another well respected league man has departed well before his time.
Griffo
Guest
Good guess!
Griffo
Guest
He was probably the first player to fall out of favour with Green when we started losing. Also they've wanted to have Hess playing on the edge. I can see why from a development pov because Hess has a lot more potential than Lowe but I thought Lowe was a lot more solid in defence and still pretty good in attack. I was surprised earlier in the year when Hess was missing a lot of tackles that Lowe didn't come back for him but lately Hess's defence has improved. Taken most of the season though.
Griffo
Guest
I was just thinking as I left the ground now that it's the last time I'll see him play. Very fortunate I got to see him play so many times! What a special player. BTW, how good was his goal kicking tonight? 8 from 8!
Concerned observer
Guest
Thanks JVGO, thought that when Mitchell Moses started kicking for touch at 14-0 and only 20 minutes into the game the Cowboys were dead set winners, thanks for your unwavering support
Concerned Observer
Guest
Sorry Scott, didn’t mean to jinx the Dragons at a delicate point in the season. I’ll keenly note that young jvgo doesn’t like responding, probably exhausted from the mental effort of watching a game that doesn’t feature the Sharks
Nat
Roar Guru
Buggar! Just checked, is too! No 2 seats available!
Rellum
Roar Guru
They said on 9 it was sold out I think
Nat
Roar Guru
Reckon I might make a trip down the M1. Nice event but should be a good game too. JT on Saturday, Broncos / Manly on Sunday. Then Finals, gotta love Sept.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Nice win by the Cowboys. 2nd last chance to see the great JT in action.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of North Queensland Cowboys vs Parramatta Eels. The Cowboys have secured a 36-point victory over the Eels to get off the bottom of the table in Johnathan Thurston's final game in Townsville, and his 100th win at the venue. There is plenty of sporting action to come on The Roar this weekend with AFL, NRL, Premier League, Formula One and Bledisloe Cup. I'll be back on Sunday afternoon from 4:10pm (AEST) for live coverage of St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Thanks for following along.
Roger
Guest
Dry :)
Nat
Roar Guru
Well done Cowboys! Well done JT! Well done NQ fans. Massive win and event for JT. Big night at the Mad Cow tonight
JVGO
Guest
At least the last 40 settled into a true batlle for the wooden spoon. Brilliant to watch.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Roarers, what are your thoughts following the Cowboys' demolition of the Eels? North Queensland Cowboys 44 Parramatta Eels 6
Rellum
Roar Guru
That was pretty low by Parra there. Three blatant penalty's
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Cowboys have secured a massive 38-point victory in Johnathan Thurston's final game in Townsville, securing his 100th game at the venue. North Queensland Cowboys 44 Parramatta Eels 6
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
80' Penalty against Moses, holding on Hess. And that's full-time North Queensland Cowboys 44 Parramatta Eels 6