The Cowboys have blown away the New Zealand Warriors in a dominant performance that keeps them in pole position for a home final, registering a 48-4 win that does plenty for their for and against.
It was an emotional evening for North Queensland, who paid tribute to the passing of former coach Paul Green on their return to Townsville, and they turned in a performance that would have made their Premiership-winning boss proud.
With Cronulla hot on their tails, the Cowboys needed to win and win well. From the first five minutes, the result was never in doubt against a New Zealand side that cannot wait for the season to end. The difference in enthusiasm, commitment and cohesion was stark.
It seems unfair to single out a star for North Queensland, as this was a proper team performance, but both halfbacks were excellent. Tom Dearden managed two tries, while Chad Townsend created one for himself and three for others.
The Cowboys could have took an early two, but sensed that the caution was unnecessary: it proved true, as Coen Hess strolled in for the first.
Murray Taulagi got another, postage-stamping Reece Walsh after a slick backline move, but it wasn’t to be completely plain sailing thereafter.
The Warriors put up stiff resistance that limited North Queensland to a penalty goal before posting points of their own, albeit with a little help from the bunker.
Marcelo Montoya was offside at a kick but deemed to be within ten metres of an Edward Kosi bat back. Had it been a closer game, it might have been a bigger deal.
The try sparked the Cowboys back into life. Walsh dropped a kick cold and seconds later, Jeremiah Nanai was in.
Shortly before the break, Scott Drinkwater produced a superb offload to get Peta Hiku in against his old club, and shortly after, Dearden split the line wide open for the next.
Luciano Leilua grabbed another, insouciantly throwing Shaun Johnson out of the way, and it suddenly looked very, very ominous.
The Warriors were well and truly out of it. Dearden got a second from a Townsend kick as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak waited for a ball to go dead, before Townsend kicked for himself for another.
Though the Kiwis had nothing to play for, they hadn’t quit. Hess broke the line and kicked on for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and though the winger regathered with the line begging, Walsh swooped to deny the try.
The Warriors nearly ended with a consolation, only for a double movement to be called on Euan Aitken. It fairly summed up the evening for the visitors.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Seriously, why are the Warriors still playing Shaun Johnson ? He must be demoralising the rest of the team ? His efforts yesterday were atrocious. And Reece Walsh can't move on to the Broncos quick enough , it seems !
Rob
Guest
The Cowboys have never won 16 games in a regular season. They have never finished above 3rd. In 2015 the Cowboys lost 3 of their last 5 games. They lost by 12 to Sharks Rd 22, by 13 to Souths and then In their 2nd last home game they beat the 10th placed Warriors 50-16 at home. It was the 3rd last game of the season? I love a bit of history.
rick strapps
Guest
Do any of you know if the Cowboys have any good young backs, we seem to have a bundle of promising forwards but I haven't heard about any young backs. oldcowboy
Rob
Guest
You keep Nanai if you can. Drinkwater can be replaced by Hammer. Drinkwater doesn’t clean much up at the back defensively. Not sure how you replace a Nanai who has also grown up in NQ. Robson would be a priority but you have to know his willingness to stay and if $ become his priority. He’s a NSW lad and many will be looking at him now.
Bludog
Roar Rookie
Whoa whoa whoa, admitting you're not an expert and therefore not sharing an opinion on a football matter?? Is..Is that allowed on here?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Sorry Bud, I drive a truck so I'm not an accountant so I've got zero idea of their salary situation. None of those you mention would really get too much more out there in the big wide world if they opted to leave North Queensland. Frankly I reckon it's worth 100k to live up here. We don't do traffic, it's always sunny, people are nice.
Bludog
Roar Rookie
I don't think you're wrong, I only hesitate as the Cowboys attack only clicked when Drinkwater got a start. That being said, gun to my head I know which player I'd hate seeing more lining up against us in an opposition jersey.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Nanai and Robson are must keeps. Drinkwater is great in attack especially in their 20m zone but he's poor with kicks , a poor defender and can lose his sheet if things go against him. Nanai on the other hand is a freak and only 19. !!!!
Bludog
Roar Rookie
Here’s an unfortunate question that may need an answer soon – who do the Cowboys keep – Nanai or Drinkwater? I think they can both start negotiating 1 Nov and I think plenty of clubs will be throwing $$ at them, and I don’t know how we keep both. Same question with Hammer and Tualagi. Do we go in hard to keep Robson, or trust that if we lose him that Cotter can play 9? November is gonna be stressful
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
This will be only the forth time in our history we have gone top 4. Huge season. I don't think it's our year but fantastic effort from the club.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Too right dude. Last year I was bemoaning the playing group not splaying Toddyball, then with a full off season and the inclusion of some blooded youngsters it all just evened out. Hey, I don't have high expectations for this year, but we do need some serious "best on planet" type players. Like having a JT but these days you need a couple. I'm loving the ride while it lasts.
Bludog
Roar Rookie
It's funny, I was so confident in the Cowboys heading into last season, only to be heartbroken with the insipid performances week after week. I bemoaned Peyton's changing of JT's minutes, shook my head over the signing of Chad and went into this season with zero hope. And how wrong I was. I am so happy with the Cowboys this year. Happy with the team, the direction, and the style of football they are playing. I don't know if they can go all the way this year, but that is ok. If we can keep this group and not lose too many come November, the cowboys time may come sooner rather than later.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Obviously pleased with the result but I hope their mindset is about stepping up another level or two. Next week it's a bruised Souths and then Penrith. Both are biiiig asks from this immature side. It's exciting though because of how poorly last season finished for them to where they're sitting now, nobody remembers who comes second on the ladder but for this club if they can win one or two finals games it will be seen as like Lazarus rising from dead.