North Queensland Cowboys
16
Match Complete
Melbourne Storm
20
| K. Bradley |  | 74 | ||
| 71 | | J. Addo-Carr | ||
| 64 |  | N. Hynes | ||
| 62 | | R. Smith | ||
| S. Drinkwater | | 52 | ||
| K. Feldt | | 51 | ||
| S. Drinkwater | | 40 | ||
| C. Hess | | 39 | ||
| 18 | | J. Olam | ||
| 4 | | N. Hynes | ||
| 3 | | J. Addo-Carr |
| 3 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 19 continues tonight when the North Queensland Cowboys host the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:55pm (AEST).
North Queensland face the NRL’s version of Mission Impossible here. The stakes could not be higher, with last week’s loss to the Roosters effectively ending their season.
The Cowboys were deeply in the game in Round 18 for the first hour, before being overrun at the end. The disappointment was evident in the rooms afterwards, with Todod Payten’s men missing a golden chance to stay in the race for finals.
They did look better with the ball last weekend, but their inability to defend their line was telling. Only a staunch Cowboys supporter would give them any chance of countering the onslaught that will hit them tonight.
In a massive blow, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow may have played his last game of the season, after having an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday. His replacement had not been named at time of writing.
Elsewhere, Murray Taulagi replaces the injured Javid Bowen, with Kane Bradley making his NRL debut on the wing. Heilum Luki returns from suspension and replaces Peter Hola, whilst Coen Hess will need to pass concussion protocols to play.
The Storm are simply playing brilliant football at the moment, and are firming to go back-to-back in 2022. The fact that we are even talking about that is testament to the club’s structure and recruitment strategies, which are both first class.
Craig Bellamy’s charges eased to a 48-4 win over the Knights last weekend, with the match over as a contest by half time. Nicho Hynes had a big day out, scoring 20 points; but remarkably, he remains in a battle to hold his spot in the starting line-up, underlining Melbourne’s depth.
Josh Addo-Carr and Christian Welch return to the side after being rested following Origin 3, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back from suspension. Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Dale Finucane all get a rest this week, but in great news for the Storm, Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named and will get game time off the bench.
Prediction:
The Melbourne Storm seem to be getting better each week and it’s hard to see them losing another game this year.
Their biggest test will likely come against the Panthers next week. It won’t come here.
The Cowboys will be desperate but desperation won’t be enough to stop a Storm team at the very top of their game.
Melbourne Storm by 40
Game information
Kick-off: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Cowboys $10, Storm $1.05 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Cowboys
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (withdrawn), 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Murray Taulagi, 4. Connelly Lemuelu, 5. Kane Bradley, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Shane Wright, 12. Mitchell Dunn, 13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Bench/Reserves: 14. Tom Gilbert, 15. Heilum Luki, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Jake Granville | 18. Lachlan Burr, 19. Michael Bell, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Daejarn Asi
Storm
1. Nicho Hynes, 2. Dean Ieremia, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cooper Johns, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich (c), 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Chris Lewis, 12. Kenneath Bromwich, 13. Tui Kamikamica
Bench/Reserves: 14. Aaron Booth, 15. Aaron Pene, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen | 18. Trent Loiero, 19. Jordan Grant, 20. Isaac Lumelume, 21. Marion Seve
Joe
Roar Rookie
I don't know if the stats will bear this out but it seems like they're allowing a lot of leeway i.e slowing of the rucks as well.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
God has blessed me with the ability to entertain a few of the local senior citizens, without juicing up. At my age I reckon it qualifies as a miracle, but it could be that all the nerves in my body have been preserved by the Soup.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
100%, the refs were pretty awful that game against both sides. I was trying to point out they weren't exactly favouring the Storm, more like they had no idea at all.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I wish we could bring that game every week. Unfortunately I don't think we can.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
This weekend has been fantastic so far.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Good summary RN!
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
You need a shot of Viagra, Hard Yards.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Why would a mug lair go high on a bloke who's come off a concussion stint? Cos he's a dog by nature. Poor effort.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
On that form, Cowboys should definitely make the eight. Great game.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
If you want to go through every play of that game with me I am happy to do so including the non binning of Olam and the 8 point try. Feldt lost two teeth. It wasn't love tap,. You won enjoy it.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
True
Brendon
Roar Rookie
I'd say an off night. Felt for Pap, first carry and be was hit high. Brutal. Give it 2 weeks, they'll be flowing again.
Davoooo
Guest
Alot of close games all of a sudden.... Feels like all the negative press around blowouts has caused a "shift" in the nrl's focus
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Let's pray together Ben. Parra v Penrith or Penrith Souths will do me.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Even though the game has just finished the Cowboys have invoiced Melbourne Storm the sum of $3472.48 for repainting the dressing room walls after Bellyache stripped them with his colourful tirade.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Congrats Joe , always thought you would get away with it at the end. Youf guys were a bit off too. I don't kid myself that we are onlyba couple of points off you but Cows really had a crack. It's all I ask.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
We haven’t had a team besides the Roosters or the Storm win the premiership since 2016… I’d love a season without either of them in the finals.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the call tonight. It's great to get another tight game. I will be back next weekend with another call but am doing a lot of live coverage of the Olympics over the next couple of weeks, starting tomorrow afternoon/ evening. Hope you can check in there every now and again
Shed Bloke
Roar Rookie
A big thanks to the Cowboys for making it a great game. A big thanks to Storm for winning. A huge thanks to David for yet another fantastic call.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Reffing and bunker were ridiculous tonight. Touch judge should be sacked. He was right there and let it go.