North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs: NRL live scores

My thoughts: "How much of this is the coach’s fault I wonder.." Somewhere between a fair chunk and most, but management has/is playing a part too. "this years recruiting was awful". It's looking awful on field this year, but I'd argue 3 were pretty good/prospective young players, 2 were average, and all have gone backwards this season so far, albeit it is still pretty early in the season. "next years is good so far". Will they help pick the side up, or go backwards themselves? I think you've got about half your squad off contract this year, and Barrett is contracted to 2023, so I think the Dogs better have a think about the first part of your question ASAP, otherwise it could stay ugly for several years to come.

A lot of criticism of the Dogs but I’m not sure they weren’t having a real go. They unfortunately don’t have a match winner or star player in a class above like a Teddy, Papenhuyzen, Mitchell, Turbo or Ponga to make things happen. So that means Barett can’t coach? The conditions were pretty oppressive in Townsville with humidity at 80% and zero breeze to speak of. I think most teams would have been struggling for energy. Both the Cowboys and Bulldogs probably played a little slower conserving energy also and it was a slog for most of the time. The Dogs tried IMO but like I said with 12 men and without a star player they just couldn’t get enough points. Amazing Cowboys have won 2 games without Morgan, Taumalolo, and now injuries to young Cotter and Hammer but all people have said is Tigers and Dogs are rubbish. Manly were rubbish 2 weeks ago and Dragons weren’t going to win a game after round 1. Broncos almost took down Penrith and Tigers were desperately unlucky against the Rabbits. It’s a long season and we haven’t even had an SOO game.

Why the hell did they let Badger go?!

Didn't see much of this game just the last 15 minutes but one thing I noticed was that the Dogs seemed to be in slow motion. They picked up a little when they had the sniff of an upset but outside of that players were walking into position and even in possession their passing seemed to be slow and very deliberate. I reckon this faster game isn't suiting their players.

The only Dog who had a real 'go' the entire time he was out there and is genuinely at this level was the number 13. Elliot is very good but walked a lot today when he was needed late in the game. Who would seriously buy any of the rest ? How much of this is the coach's fault I wonder.. this years recruiting was awful, next years is good so far.

I hear the cavalry is back next week - SJ, captain Wade, Dugan, Hunt plus a fully fit Talakai.... I’d be pretty shocked if they get done next Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how long Barrett lasts. At best, he is a capable assistant coach but his run sheet at Manly and Canterbury show he's out of his depth in the top job. Hopefully he can turn things around and quickly. The club's sponsor Arthur Laundy can be ruthless, in a business sense, and won't tolerate failure.

Val came good once Hetherington coaxed him to lift his game !

I think they may surprise you. Just gotta feeling.

Hahaha. A lot of trouble keeping the score under 50 maybe ;) Up Up

Come on mate. Tomorrow’s another day. Sharks next weekend and I reckon your boys will give them a lot of trouble.

They brought Jack Gibson in for 67, we’ve got Trent Barrett... :crying:

Chin up TB, they have a long way to go to be the worst. Easts failed to win a game in 1966 and then came back in'67 to make the semis when it was four team semis in a twelve team comp. There is hope yet.

The Cowboys hard work of that. The big difference between the better higher paid Cowboys and Storm is desire and attention to detail. If Payten can get them to be Storm like the talented young ones will follow and the wins will come. O’Neil effort to get to the football before Hopa and Holmes drop balls are a major problem. McGuire was the worst but the old boys need to lead the culture.

Oh well A bit of heart from the Dogs there I guess. Even before Hetherington got sent off it was starting to look like it was going to be a cricket score Dogs spend too much of the game doing things in slow motion. With their attack there’s only ever one person who is going to get the ball, making it easy for the defence. Every run is 30 degrees to the sideline and they run out of room They don’t look as fit as other teams. The line speed is terrible, they lose the ruck The way things are going this team could go down as one of the worst teams in the history of the game...

There all a pinch of nutmeg. You always find nutmeg on a junket.

Gee that was hard to watch. I wonder where the Dogs will find a win?

Not sure if that win builds confidence!

Playing on reputation, imo.

What is it with the commentary team. They've flown half NSW in.