Warriors
10
Match Complete
Cowboys
17
| 73 |  | M. Morgan | ||
| 65 |  | J. Kahu | ||
| 59 |  | J. Kahu | ||
| 57 |  | J. O'Neill | ||
| C. Harris-Tavita | | 48 | ||
| R. Tuivasa-Sheck | | 47 | ||
| 39 | | J. Kahu | ||
| 27 | | J. Kahu | ||
| 25 | | C. Hess | ||
| K. Maumalo | | 19 |
| 2 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 1 |
The New Zealand Warriors host the struggling North Queensland Cowboys in a match both teams are desperate to win to kickstart their season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm AEST.
After beginning the season with victory, the Warriors and Cowboys have since struggled to kick into gear and after tonight, one team will remain rooted near the bottom of the ladder.
Since defeating the Dragons in Round 1, the Cowboys have lost their past four matches, including three in a row at home.
The Warriors meanwhile only have wins against the Bulldogs and Titans to go up against losses to the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles and Tigers.
The defeat to the Bunnies in particular would have been hard to take given that Stephen Kearney’s found themselves in a winning position in the second half, only to squander their lead late in the contest.
Such defeats can really see confidence evaporate and it is important that the Warriors at home are able to secure a win against a Cowboys side struggling with ideas in attack.
Thankfully for the Warriors, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remains a shining light at fullback and his prowess with the ball guarantees points for the Warriors such is his skill and flair.
As for the Cowboys, Michael Morgan has been at the heart of all their attack this season, and if the Warriors can keep him quiet, the hosts will go a long way to winning tonight.
In team news, Blake Green is in doubt with a groin problem, and will be given until game day to prove his fitness. The Warriors will leave the decision up to Green.
Prediction
The Cowboys put in a decent effort against Melbourne last week but they are struggling to post points.
If the Warriors can muscle up in defence, then the magic of Tuivasa-Sheck should be enough to see New Zealand secure their third win of the season.
Warriors by 10
Time: 5:30pm AEST
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Betting: Warriors $1.40, Cowboys $2.90
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 David Fusitu’a 3 Peta Hiku 4 Solomone Kata 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita 7 Blake Green 8 Agnatius Paasi 9 Isaac Luke 10 Leeson Ah Mau 11 Adam Blair 12 Tohu Harris 13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Sam Lisone 16 Bunty Afoa 17 Isaiah Papali’i
Reserves: 18 Nathaniel Roache 20 Leivaha Pulu 21 Gerard Beale 22 Patrick Herbert
Cowboys
1 Te Maire Martin 2 Justin O’Neill 3 Jordan Kahu 4 Enari Tuala 5 Ben Hampton 6 Jake Clifford 7 Michael Morgan 8 Matt Scott 9 Jake Granville 10 Jordan McLean 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Josh McGuire 13 John Asiata
Interchange: 14 Kurt Baptist 15 Coren Hess 16 Scott Bolton 17 Francis Molo
Reserves: 18 Corey Jensen 19 Javid Bowen 20 Shane Wright 21 Mitch Dunn
Josh H
Roar Rookie
Hi Sylvester, I've seen a number of your comments on this thread; what on earth do you have against Harris-Tevita? He's only played 3 games and he turned 20 only 2 weeks ago. What do you expect? A clinical masterclass? He is but an apprentice - one without his master. Good luck learning on the job with a bits-and-pieces centre in Peta Hiku running around by your side leaving you to do 90% of the kicking, instead of an actual halfback like Blake Green. I didn't even know who was supposed to be NZ's halfback until I checked the team lists afterwards. He was completely on his own today and he did an admirable job despite a loss. I think we should give him a break.
Rob
Guest
Great back up effort from the Cowboys after going down in a tough game against the Storm. Morgan for Inglis in the centres for Qld. Morgan really stood up in the last 20min
a
Roar Rookie
Looks like The Cowboys are of to a better start than last year
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Gagai looks pretty bad as well, particularly in defence. I assume then that we aren't including Gerard Beale because he is a mascot disguised as an NRL player? ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
It is a lot of pressure on a young kid who looks good but doesn't have the abilities of Kayln Ponga or a young Benji Marshall to get away with it. If I honest "Bully" has lost a lot of his impact as well.
Rob
Guest
Well done Joe. You would be happy with me changing my tip to Warriors after losing both Panthers and Storm tips. Had to take the hit for my Cowboys to give them a chance.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yep, would have been happy to be wrong with that tip for sure! I’ve tipped the Dragons as well.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I tipped the Warriors for this one unfortunately. I must have been drinking that night, I never tip the Warriors.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
So you tipped against the Storm then? And you nearly lost! Who are you tipping in the next one? I’m tipping the Dragons but ” the Angry Eagle” promises me that Manly will win, despite missing Turbo.
Sylvester
Guest
Harris-Tavita isn't 1st grade standard, at this stage. He can't kick and his passing is very laboured. I see no creativity there at all.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yes! 4/4 from my tips so far.
Alan
Roar Guru
The Cowboys have caused the upset to secure just their second win of the season, beating the Warriors by seven points in New Zealand. It was a gallant effort from the Cowboys with the forwards muscling up and halves Morgan and Clifford getting the job done with good percentage plays and some class in attack when it was needed. The Warriors only attacking outline was RTS, and when he was starved of possession, the Warriors were ordinary with the footy. Both teams remain a work in progress but the Cowboys finally have a win that could kickstart some momentum.
AE47
Roar Rookie
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: 10-17
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Issac Luke has gone OK and Harris-Tavita shows promise but is just starting out. Otherwise, yes. The Warriors are a long way off tonight.
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Warriors need a miracle now. Cowboys defending at the right end of the field.
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - RTS with a step and offload to Maumalo but the winger knocks on. Cowboys are home surely!
Alan
Roar Guru
Luke from close range goes close but no cigar...Warriors still attack
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
If the Warriors get out of this I will be amazed. A 7 point margin is too big at this point with just 3 mins to go. Unless “Bully” scores here? He looks short.
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Warriors with a final chance for some late drama. They attack.