Cowboys Are Too Strong
After barely making the finals, the Cowboys are now in the grand final, and well on their way to their second premiership in three seasons – quite an effort. They were far too strong for the Roosters. The Cowboys wanted the win more, and so they got it. It wasn’t difficult for them considering that they were completing at 90 per cent for the entire game, making very few errors which kept them in control of the match. The Cowboys only made five errors throughout the whole game, while Robinson’s Roosters made 13 errors during the 80-minute period. It was a tough game but well played by the Cowboys, who now see themselves in the big dance against the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 1. How will they cope against the Storm?
Roosters’ Errors Cost Them
Completion rate is always a big deal when it comes to the game and how it can turn out, especially in the finals, and the Sydney Roosters seemingly struggled with the pressure they had on them against the Cowboys, who managed to beat them in all aspects of the game. Unfortunately, the Roosters were the last of the NSW teams in the final four, and as a result of their poor completion and inability to gain control of the game, cost them and Sydney a chance to shine in the 2017 grand final. The Roosters were given plenty of opportunities during the game, particularly in the first half before the Cowboys became completely dominant. The 13 errors made by the Roosters were very costly in the end. The finals can cause pressure, and that hit the Roosters which led to a poorer performance – particularly for the finals series. Errors in a match can often prove to be costly and this match was certainly no exception.
Michael Morgan Stuns
In recent weeks, Michael Morgan has been one of – if not the – star player for the Cowboys, playing incredible football that has genuinely assisted his Cowboys in winning their most recent matches. Since the departure of Thurston, Morgan has undoubtedly been their most important and most improved player. During their clash with the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, he was by far the most impressive on field, playing one of his best matches. He successfully pulled off a try assist, and made some important offloads and line breaks that advanced the Cowboys towards victory. He had a very high tackle success rate and importantly kicked a field goal that sealed the deal before a late try. He was undoubtedly an important figure in the match, and will have a huge impact on how they measure up in the grand final.
All-Round Impressive Game
This clash at Allianz Stadium was by far one of the most entertaining matches of this finals series, and while it wasn’t a nailbiting one-point thriller, it was certainly a game for the history books. Both sides put in a lot of effort and it was evident that both sides wanted the win – North Queensland just wanted it more. Both sides made errors, both sides had their moments of brilliance, all of which made it an incredibly entertaining match to watch on a Saturday evening. Both the Roosters and the Cowboys played with a lot of energy – the Cowboys just had too much. The conditions were absolutely perfect, which only added more to the entertainment value for the 28,108 fans who went out to the ground for the match. It was a very impressive effort from both sides, however the Cowboys still have a bit of improving to do before they take on the Storm.
Scoreboard
North Queensland Cowboys 29
Tries: Te Maire Martin, Kane Linnett, Kyle Feldt, Scott Bolton
Goals: Ethan Lowe 6
Field Goal: Michael Morgan
Sydney Roosters 16
Tries: Latrell Mitchell, Connor Watson, Blake Ferguson
Goals: Michael Gordon 2
