Cowboys move to third with masterclass

v BYE

Any doubts about the Cowboys premiership credentials were swept away, after the reigning premiers produced a dominant 36-0 display over the Bulldogs in front of 11,620 fans in Townsville.

Producing a clinical first half display, the Cowboys wasted little time in asserting their premiership credentials, as Antonio Winterstein crossed twice in the opening ten minutes.

With Johnathan Thurston forcing numerous repeat sets with kicks from all over the field, the Cowboys dominated territory and possession and extended their lead in the 23rd minute through Javid Bowen.

Forced to make close to 70 extra tackles in the opening half, the Bulldogs were unable to make the most of their attacking opportunities due to fatigue and poor execution.

Rounding out the half by forcing a line drop out from halfway, the Cowboys took a match-winning 16-0 lead into the break that proved too much for the visitors to overcome.

Wasting little time in adding to the scoreboard courtesy of Justin O'Neill, Thurston was given an early exit by coach Paul Green due to a hamstring strain.

In the absence of the superstar halfback, the Bulldogs were unable to capitalise as errors continued to plague the enigmatic side.

Further tries to Ethan Lowe and a second to O'Neill saw the reigning premiers extend the Bulldogs miserable venture to Townsville, while Winterstein rounded out proceedings to finish with a hat-trick in the 36-0 win.

With Thurston set to return for next week's showdown with Melbourne, the Cowboys will be optimistic about their chances of securing a top four finish, while the Bulldogs will be left to rue their poor showing before next Friday's derby against the Dragons.

As a result of the emphatic win the Cowboys move into outright third position, while the Bulldogs could fall to sixth by the end of the round depending on results to come.