North Queensland Cowboys
40
Match Complete
Brisbane Broncos
26
| V. Holmes |  | 80 | ||
| M. Taulagi |  | 79 | ||
| 76 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 76 | | S. Cobbo | ||
| 75 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 74 | | C. Oates | ||
| V. Holmes | | 66 | ||
| J. Nanai | | 65 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 62 | ||
| R. Robson | | 61 | ||
| 56 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 54 | | C. Oates | ||
| V. Holmes | | 48 | ||
| K. Feldt | | 47 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 44 | ||
| G. Neame | | 43 | ||
| V. Holmes |  | 32 | ||
| 26 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| V. Holmes | | 20 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 16 | ||
| M. Taulagi | | 15 | ||
| 12 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 11 | | B. Walters |
| 6 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The North Queensland Cowboys take on the Brisbane Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEST.
At the start of the season, only the bravest Queenslander would have picked these two sides to be challenging for a top 4 spot at this point. However, that’s the reality, with the winner tonight one step closer to the top 4 goal.
Good teams find ways to win from almost impossible positions. Manly led the Cowboys 26-12 at home, last start, just eight minutes from full time. Three tries in four minutes and the Sea Eagles were done. Twelve months ago, the Cowboys would have lost by 30.
It is the quintessential mix of youth and experience. The likes of Chad Townsend and Jason Taumalolo are finding their best form alongside some of the best young names in the competition.
Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Jeremiah Nanai and Taumalolo have all been named to return from rep duty. Luciano Leilua has been named to make his debut for the Cowboys whilst Tom Gilbert is back after suffering an eye injury.
Opposition teams rarely go to AAMI Park and win. The Broncos didn’t buck that trend but the 32-20 loss to the Storm suggested that they are not that far away.
One of the most impressive things about the performance was that they did it without Adam Reynolds. Reynolds is proving an astute buy on and off the field, with the likes of Pat Carrigan, Thomas Flegler and Selywn Cobbo reaching their potential this year.
Reynolds does return in a massive boost. All Origin and rep stars have also been named to return. Tyson Gamble has been named in the reserves but Ezra Mam is likely to keep his spot.
Prediction
Excitement will be fever pitch at this one with a sold out stadium in Townsville.
There won’t be much in it, but you can’t go past the Cowboys. They are playing a great brand of football and their place in the top 4 is well deserved.
Cowboys by 8
Game information
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Nine Network
Odds: Cowboys $1.50, Broncos $2.60 – odds via PlayUp
North Queensland
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Jake Granville 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Griffin Neame
Brisbane
1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
2012. Plus the Cowboys won an elimination final. 2014 and 2016 the Cowboys won twice at home (including a final) and lost away.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Just checked Rob. We won at home in round 10. Close one. Lost in Brissie and then the first final. The
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Very disappointing to miss the live coverage. Great result.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Still looking forward Jimmy mate to that Broncs Redcliffe GF after knocking out the Cows and Titans the week before
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
And week one of the finals.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Just good to have a couple of QLD teams playing well . It tough When they are all sheet.
Brian
Guest
Shame Broncos were off tonight. Just need things to click in that backline.
Rob
Guest
Broncos beat the Cowboys in both regular season games in 2015 from memory?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I actually 5hought both sides were poor in D actually. The Oates try was soft as was the Robson one. Even the Cobo and Nanai ones were too easy. Not up there withthe top 2 sides by long way.
Phil
Roar Rookie
A game to remember. First half was very skinny at one try apiece and a fair indication of play at 10-8, but very entertaining. Then we have 7 tries in stanza 2 which was also a delight to watch. The two No6's were impressive until they ran out of steam, Nanai getting better and Cobbo not a 1st grade fullback in defence but still a good player.
Rob
Guest
Thank goodness the Broncos got butter fingers. The nerves were going up. Broncos v Cowboys always delivers. Not often the Cowboys get both results in a season. When did that last happen?
Rellum
Roar Guru
:laughing: You guys have had the wood on us for a long time now. Too good tonight. Need to get you in the finals
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It was Reyno who let you down , you shoulda bought the Chad!
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Had to go out and missed H2. Looks we ain’t a Top 4 side, eh?
Luke S
Roar Rookie
Well done Cowboys. A well deserved win. Broncos were gassed from their first half defence, didn't come out for the first 10 minutes of the second half and that was all she wrote. Broncos also kept knocking on and Reynolds kicking game was off while Drinkwater's was on.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Good win fellas. Great comeback by the Broncs who didn't stop trying. Look, 40 to 28 tells me tackling wasn't on the agenda but it was an important win and gets us closer to a top 4 finish. Go the Cows.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. Quick break and I will be back for the Rabbits and Eels
Nat
Roar Guru
Kinda wish I was in Townsville tonight. Even on the losing team it would be a big night.
Rellum
Roar Guru
We are really missing Gamble's leadership and drive. Combine that with the injury to Martin shows the Broncs have little depth in the spine and we can't afford injuries in the spine. Ezra is going to be a great player and he has been great tonight but I think Gamble really drives the team forward,
David Holden
Roar Guru
FULL TIME COWBOYS DEFEAT BRONCOS 40-26