Nathan Smith reviews the North Queensland Cowboys win against the Parramatta Eels…
MATCH DETAILS
The North Queensland Cowboys made their intentions clear early when Matt Scott crossed over in the 6th minute to score a try. Parramatta were brave in defence in holding out the Cowboys before snagging a cheap try in the 25th minute via Brad Takairangi. Parramatta did not deserve to be in the game at half time but somehow kept themselves in. Their luck was further aided but an intercept try to Josh Hoffman in the 41st minute, who provided them with a fleeting lead. Regardless of this, Parramatta remained thoroughly undeserving of a lead. This was confirmed when the Eels attempted to pass the ball within their own ten, for it to be dropped and the Cowboys to confirm their victory with a try. Following this, the Cowboys would hit a field goal to ensure they were the deserved winners of this match up.
FOUR POINTERS
Two Straight Losses for Parra
Parramatta have compounded an embarrassing loss against the Melbourne Storm with a loss against the Cowboys. With two straight losses, the Eels need to win their game or they risk sinking into 2018 form.
Cowboys Resurgence
With their fourth win of the year, the Cowboys have moved themselves away from the bottom of the table. Is it a complete resurgence? Probably not. However, they have proven themselves to be beyond easy beats in 2019.
Matt Scott for QLD?
He scored a try and was denied a second. Beyond that, he had a respectable performance against the Eels. With Queensland’s injury troubles, they could do worse than to reinstate a legend of the team. He hasn’t played that well this year but this game could put him in the conversation.
Eels Away Form
This loss confirms it. In 2019, the Eels are terrible away from home. Their home games have been generally quite safe, but away from ANZ, or Bankwest, they can’t find a way to win. Brad Arthur is surely worried about his side’s mentality in this regard.
THE RESULT
North Queensland Cowboys 17
Tries: Matthew Scott, Kyle Feldt, Tom Opacic
Goals: Jordan Kahu 2/3
Drop Goals: N/A
Parramatta Eels 10
Tries: Brad Takairangi, Josh Hoffman
Goals: Mitchell Moses 1/2
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
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 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 14. Peni Terepo 15. Tim Mannah 16. Tepai Moeroa 17. Oregon Kaufusi
