Chloe Schibeci reviews the North Queensland Cowboys one-point victory over the Brisbane Broncos at QLD Country Bank Stadium.
SCOREBOARD
Cowboys 19
Tries: Kyle Feldt (4), Connelly Lemuelu (56), Jason Taumalolo (75)
Goals: Valentine Holmes (6, 40 pen, 77)
1 pt Field Goal: Valentine Holmes (78)
Broncos 18
Tries: Xavier Coates (7), Rhys Kennedy (34), Jesse Arthars (62)
Goals: Jamayne Isaako (9, 35, 63)
Player of the Year Points
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
2 pts – Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
1 pt – Xavier Coates (Brisbane Broncos)
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty Images1st Half
The Queensland derby rarely disappoints, and this game between the Cowboys and the Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium certainly didn’t.
It didn’t take long for the first points of the game to be scored, with Kyle Feldt crossing for the Cowboys after just four minutes of play. Valentine Holmes converted, and the Cowboys were ahead by six very early. This, however, wasn’t a long-lasting leg up in the game after Xavier Coates scored for the Broncos a mere three minutes later.
The contest continued throughout the first half, with both teams defending their line and nothing added to the score until the 33rd minute, when Rhys Kennedy scored Brisbane’s second try. The Broncos remained on top for the first half. The Cowboys weren’t falling behind, but it was obvious Brisbane were hungry for a win.
The first half ended with a penalty goal by the Cowboys after a ruck infringement. This penalty goal narrowed the margin to just four points going into the break.
HALF-TIME: North Queensland Cowboys 8 Brisbane Broncos 12
Embed from Getty Images2nd Half
The first 15 minutes of the second half had a few missed opportunities from both sides; however, the Cowboys were the ones to gain confidence and momentum, meanwhile the Broncos struggled to get to their first half momentum back.
The first try of the second half came from Connelly Lemuelu in the 55th minute. The try went unconverted, however the scores were level at this point due to Valentine Holmes’ penalty goal right on half-time. These level scores didn’t last long, with Jesse Arthars scoring for the Broncos just six minutes later. The Broncos’ momentum was building back up in the final 15 minutes, while the Cowboys still maintained dominance.
The competition was definitely heating up between the two sides. With about 10 minutes to go, the Broncos were defending their line, while North Queensland were desperate for points to level the scores. Hoping a cross-field kick towards Kyle Feldt would be the play they needed, a knock-on from the Broncos in the contest gave the Cowboys another chance to score, but alas, a dropped ball prevented points.
A try came to the Cowboys after Jason Taumalolo charged to the line with five minutes to go. This converted try levelled the scores. Two minutes later, Valentine Holmes secured a one-point victory for the Cowboys. A fitting end to an incredible contest.
FULL-TIME: North Queensland Cowboys 19 Brisbane Broncos 18
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
Lachlan Burr (Cowboys) – Grade 1 High Tackle Careless – Early Guilty Plea $1150, Guilty at Judiciary $1500
Matt Lodge (Broncos) – Grade 1 Contrary Conduct – Early Guilty Plea $1700, Guilty at Judiciary $2250
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