It was all too easy for the Cowboys as they cruised to a massive 42-10 win over the Roosters who are looking far from the side they were last season.
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Cowboys opened proceedings at a blistering pace with the Northerners scoring three tries in the first 20 minutes. However, the Roosters aren’t ranked the second best defensive team in the NRL for nothing, and it was the veteran Anthony Minichiello who got the Sydney boys on the board.
The Roosters were starting to gain momentum before a contentious decision saw Captain Johnathan Thurston diving over the line after a Brent Tate fumble.
Following another Roosters blunder, the Cowboys were impeccable in their retaliation and some expansive ball play saw winger Matthew Wright prove to be the embodiment of their revitalised formation, giving the Cowboys a 30-6 half time lead.
The second half was all North Queensland with the side dominating possession, territory and getting the rub of the green with the referees. The Roosters couldn’t keep up with the Cowboys relentless attack and by the 60th minute the Cowboys were up 36-6 with the game all but over.
Kane Linnett’s hat trick was the icing on the cake for the Cowboys as the centre went crashing over in the 71st minute, extending the Cowboys lead to 42-6. The Roosters managed a consolation try after some Tuivasa-Sheck brilliance to finish with a 42-10 drubbing.
Who Killed It:
Johnathan Thurston put NSW on high alert as his standout display summarised the brilliant talent the half contains. His influence on the Cowboys was consolidated by his combination with late inclusion Robert Lui, as the two terrorised the Roosters. Do New South Wales fans really need another reason to be worried about Origin?
Who Stank It Up:
Spectators of this encounter would be baffled to know that the Roosters only average 14 points conceded per game and are ranked as the second best defence in the competition. Their defence was a shamble tonight, and their inability to capitalise on opportunities highlighted their lack of venom in attack.
What Do I Need To Know:
Gavin Cooper was stretchered from the field in the 52nd minute after a hip dislocation, while Cameron King was carried off after reportedly “feeling his knee go.” Origin camp’s had their hearts in their mouths as Boyd Cordner (ankle) and Brent Tate (leg and hip) showed obvious signs of pain in a tackle they were both adversely affected in.
What The..:
What has happened to the Roosters? The reigning premiers’ performance emulated that of the wooden spooner’s and need to get back on track, soon.
Look Out Up Ahead:
The Cowboys take on the struggling Canberra Raiders, Sunday 3pm at Canberra Stadium, as they will look to make it three wins in a row. The reigning premiers are on the road as they shape up against the Bulldogs who have won five on the trot, Friday 7.45pm.
Sam Alexander
Article published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314105/nrl#postmatch
S.J.A 