Cowboys
17
Match Complete
Eels
10
| J. Kahu |  | 76 | ||
| J. Kahu |  | 74 | ||
| T. Opacic |  | 73 | ||
| K. Feldt | | 64 | ||
| 41 | | J. Hoffman | ||
| 26 | | M. Moses | ||
| 25 | | B. Takairangi | ||
| J. Kahu | | 7 | ||
| M. Scott | | 6 |
| 3 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 10 of the NRL season continues this Saturday evening as the North Queensland Cowboys host the Parramatta Eels at 1300SMILES Stadium in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:30pm AEST.
The North Queensland Cowboys have shown something of a return to form in recent weeks, defeating the Titans at home before coming late against Souths in Magic Round.
They never really looked like challenging the Rabbits but showed enough to suggest they will prove a handful for the Eels.
The return of Jason Taumalolo has obviously helped this improvement. Together with Matt Scott and Jordan McLean, the Cowboys do have a formidable pack.
Jake Granville has been named to start at hooker this week, pushing Kurt Baptiste to the bench. Paul Green did the same last weekend only to swap Granville and Baptiste around, so there are no guarantees they will start as named.
The Parramatta Eels are an enigma at the moment. Seemingly unbeatable at Bankwest Stadium, they can’t take a trick when playing away, losing the last 4 games.
While the Storm were excellent last weekend, the 64-10 drubbing was a real capitulation by the Eels and their fans will be wanting a much stronger showing this weekend.
The Eels themselves will be keen to prove that rumours of unrest due to player recruitment issues are just that, rumours.
Brad Arthurs has made plenty of changes in response to the Storm loss. George Jennings comes on to the wing for the suspended Maika Sivo, Josh Hoffman returns at centre with Will Smith named at 6 after Jaeman Salmon was dropped.
Manu Ma’u will start at lock, with Tepai Moeroa dropped to the bench. Reed Mahoney will start at hooker with Peni Terepo back to the bench as well.
Prediction
The “bounceback” factor will play a role this evening, with the Eels sure to put in a much better effort than last week.
However, the North Queensland Cowboys have turned a corner and, at home, will do enough to win this match up.
North Queensland Cowboys by 4
When: 5:30pm AEDT
Where: 1300SMILES Stadium
TV: Fox League
Online: Livepass, Foxtel now
Betting: North Queensland Cowboys: $1.75; Parramatta Eels: $2.08.
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Jordan Kahu 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Tom Opacic 5. Ben Hampton 6. John Asiata 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Scott Bolton 17. Francis Molo
Parramatta Eels
1. Clint Gutherson 2. George Jennings 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Will Smith 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Manu Ma’u
Interchange: 14. Peni Terepo 15. Tim Mannah 16. Tepai Moeroa 17. Oregon Kaufusi
a
Roar Rookie
I’m just happy we got a win at least we’re staying on the hunt for the 8 this year unlike last year
R N
Roar Rookie
Far from convincing but good to get a win! Good to see we got one when Morgs was below par! Some good signs... forwards were good, some of the outside backs getting confidence and Dunn getting better every week! All the best to Hampton... have a quick recovery!
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good finish by the Cowboys. Eels tried hard but the Cowboys wanted it more. Morgan looked good to get the Cowboys going but sometimes I feel he takes too much upon his shoulders and makes plays that are not on. Still when it mattered he did enough to get them across the line. Will be interesting to see where he plays in Origin.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT Quick summary tonight as I'm off to do the 7.35pm game. Weight of possession and territory finally told with the Cowboys winning 17-10. The Eels were courageous in defeat but unfortunately that doesn't earn you two points. The Eels have a chance to bounce back next week against the Panthers whilst the Cowboys will take on the Raiders in Canberra...which is where we are going next. Stay with us as we cover the Raiders vs Rabbits match up coming up shortly
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' The Eels go left but Lane's ball to Jennings is not a good one and the Cowboys are home. Its full time and the Cowboys have won 17-10 Cowboys 17 Eels 10
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
good move, field goals underrated in this day and age.
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' Ferguson brings it back from the scrum. Mannah gets a good offload to Gutherson. He passes to Lane who finds Guthersom who grubbers through. Its found the in goal and Morgan has knocked it dead Cowboys 17 Eels 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Kick off taken by O'Neill. That kick off was too deep. Taumalolo up over 200m with another long run. Morgan grubbers into touch on the last and the Eels will start the set in their quarter Cowboys 17 Eels 10
76
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Taumalolo makes good yards. Good set from the Cowboys and Kahu has kicked the field goal to just about seal this. Cowboys 17 Eels 10
R N
Roar Rookie
R N
Roar Rookie
Looks a bit quicker too... Maybe just needed some game time!
David Holden
Roar Guru
75' Kick off is taken by O'Neill. Contact above the shoulders and the Cowboys have the penalty Cowboys 16 Eels 10
74
R N
Roar Rookie
That's it .... Take it from dummy half, no way the lead runner can screw you!
David Holden
Roar Guru
74' The conversion from Kahu is guided over Cowboys 16 Eels 10
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
We deserve some luck . I am not an Opacic fan but he has Ben a lot better this week and last week. I am still not sure but he is slowly changing my mind.
73
David Holden
Roar Guru
74' From the Eels mistake, Opacic has gone from dummy half and scored. TRY Cowboys 14 Eels 10
David Holden
Roar Guru
73' Scott makes another strong run. Morgan bombs and Jennings takes. He passes to Ferguson who has knocked on Cowboys 10 Eels 10