North Queensland Cowboys
36
Match Complete
Melbourne Storm
6
| V. Holmes |  | 56 | ||
| J. Nanai |  | 55 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 52 | ||
| S. Drinkwater | | 51 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 49 | ||
| J. Nanai | | 47 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 45 | ||
| M. Taulagi | | 43 | ||
| 31 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 31 | | F. Kaufusi | ||
| V. Holmes | | 19 | ||
| R. Robson | | 18 | ||
| V. Holmes | | 12 | ||
| T. Gilbert | | 10 |
| 6 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 11 of the NRL Premiership continues this afternoon when the North Queensland Cowboys host the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm (AEDT).
The Cowboys have been one of the surprise packets of this NRL season, but get a real test today against a Melbourne Storm team coming off a heavy defeat. They rarely lose two on the trot.
After a number of seasons in the wilderness, the Cowboys have got something brewing up in Townsville this year. They continued on their merry way in Magic Round, defeating the Wests Tigers 36-12.
Chad Townsend has proved one of the buys of the season, and he is guiding the side around well. The Cowboys pack is also on song, with Reuben Cotter in career best form.
Todd Payten gets the luxury of naming an unchanged line up for this one.
The Storm aren’t used to losing 32-6. They were undermanned against the Panthers but that won’t ease the discomfort in the playing group. Craig Bellamy will demand better.
The big names such as Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Jesse Bromwich will all be primed to deliver big ones tonight. The Cowboys need to be ready for the onslaught.
In a big positive for the Storm, Jahrome Hughes is back from injury. Brandon Smith will start at prop for the injured Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Alec MacDonald and Dean Ieremia are the new faces on the bench.
Prediction
The Cowboys have been good this season and I expect that to continue tonight.
However, they are playing a competition heavyweight that would be very keen to get back on the field.
I think it will be close but the Storm will get home.
Storm by 4
Game information
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel
Odds: Cowboys $2.60, Storm $1.50 – odds via PlayUp
North Queensland
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15. Heilum Luki 16. Coen Hess 17. Griffin Neame
Melbourne
1. Tyran Wishart 2. Nick Meaney 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Brandon Smith 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King
Interchange: 14. Alec MacDonald 15. Dean Ieremia 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tui Kamikamica
A team without Turbo.. other way around Jenny.
Oh, ok. :thumbup:
JennyFromPenny
Guest
It was your claim that they are still the benchmark I was questioning.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Spokesman for the speechless Storm masses it seems.
How many Minor Prems have have the Panthers won in the last 10 years compared to Storm, Jenny?
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The benchmark that keeps losing to the top teams.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
More chance licking their lips
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Mate he looks crook as a dog. They are not Robots.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
:thumbdown: - and I think Adern is struggling a bit in the opinion polls
btw NZ is not a bad place to go, just be ready to pay 3,50 for petrol lol
Unlucky tonight mate.. feel sorry for whoever faces the storm next week.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Great game , great call.
Chris
Roar Pro
Almost found myself on the Cows' bandwagon during the game tonight, before realising the color of the jersey on my back. Congratulations NQ and your fans- passionate performance and deserved demolition. Defensive horror show for my boys but we'll be back with a vengeance. (Hopefully ;) Line speed and urgency are main issues for the Purple People to address.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
For me Nat it brings back memories of 05. Playing the game as it was meant to be played.
Well done mate. Good shifts tonight
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Thanks David, for your call...
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog this afternoon and tonight. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Storm take on the Sea Eagles on Thursday night. Both teams will be desperate
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Souths aren't in the NRL Triumvirate, Tony. That title is reserved for the 3 most favoured teams by the referees, the bunker, the MRC and the judiciary. The Panthers, the Storm and the Roosters.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I would like to thank the Cows team mostly for playing the game the way it was meant to be played. Plus thank you as well on behalf of all those NQers who turned up hoping for something special. And Melbourme ? They will be back as someone once said.