Broncos clinical over Raiders
3 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Cowboys overrun the Panthers
The North Queensland Cowboys have overrun the Penrith Panthers 30-0 at 1300SMILES Stadium as a crowd of 12,431 watched on.
The Cowboys saw the return of Robert Lui into the halfback role tonight, however his return was short lived as he picked up a dislocated knee in a tackle. Early diagnosis is that Lui could miss 2-4 weeks of NRL action.
After weeks of inconsitant performances, the Cowboys managed to score four straight tries in the opening 17 minutes. The first points claimed by Kalifa Faifai Loa who was awarded the four-pointer as he jumped and took the ball out of the arms of Dean Whare as they contested the high ball.
In the space of ten minutes the Cowboys posted a further three tries. Kane Linnett all power running through the defence as he busted over off a short pass from Matt Bowen. After seven minutes the Cowboys ahead 10-0.
Dean Whare did not have the best night at fullback for the Panthers as he again failed to defuse the bomb kick from the Cowboys. Antonio Winterstein out jumped Whare in the contest to post the Cowboys third four-pointer. Only minutes later Robert Lui scored his first try since Round 1, 2012 as another mistake from Penrith gifted the halfback his first try.
On the half time siren, Johnathan Thurston extended the lead with a peanlty goal from the right touchline. At the break, the North Queensland Cowboys lead 24-0.
North Queensland fired quickly straight off the second half kick off as Johnathan Thurston bolted 55 metres with a beautiful dummy-pass to set up Kane Linnett for his second try.The Cowboys held a 30-0 lead only two minutes into the second half.
Clint Newton may have some questions to answer in the match review after being placed on report for contact made to the head of Anthony Mitchell.
A second half saw a host of errors piled on by both sides, the Panthers held to nil with chances going astray throughout the contest.
Next week the Cowboys travel south to Suncorp Stadium to battle the Broncos in a Queensland derby. Meanwhile the Panthers head to the NSW north coast as they face the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium.
Match Details
North Queensland Cowboys 30 Penrith Panthers 0
Venue: Willows Sports Complex
Crowd: 12,431
Halftime Score: Cowboys 24-0
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Johnathan Thurston
2 points - Kalifa Faifai Loa
1 point - James Tamou
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (30)
Tries: Kalifa Faifai Loa, Kane Linnett (2), Antonio Winterstein, Robert Lui
Conversions: Johnathan Thurston (4/5)
Penalty Goals: Johnathan Thurston (1/1)
PENRITH PANTHERS (0)
No points scored
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
TEAM NEWS: Cowboys - Robert Lui has replaced Michael Morgan at halfback and Anthony Mitchell has been brought in for Scott Moore. Tariq Sims comes into the starting side
1. Matthew Bowen, 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa, 3. Brent Tate, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Antonio Winterstein, 6. Johnathan Thurston, 20. Robert Lui, 8. Matt Scott, 14. Rory Kostjasyn, 10. James Tamou, 15. Tariq Sims, 12. Glenn Hall, 13. Dallas Johnson
Interchange: 11. Gavin Cooper, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Jason Taumalolo, 19. Anthony Mitchell
Panthers: 1. Dean Whare 2. Josh Mansour 3. Wes Naiqama 4. Brad Tighe 5. David Simmons 6. Tom Humble 7. Blake Austin 8. Sam McKendry 9. Kevin Kingston (C) 10. Nigel Plum 11. Sika Manu 12. Lewis Brown 13. Cameron Ciraldo
Interchange: 14. Adam Docker 15. Tim Grant 16. James Segeyaro 17. Clint Newton
1. Matthew Bowen, 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa, 3. Brent Tate, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Antonio Winterstein, 6. Johnathan Thurston, 20. Robert Lui, 8. Matt Scott, 14. Rory Kostjasyn, 10. James Tamou, 15. Tariq Sims, 12. Glenn Hall, 13. Dallas Johnson
Interchange: 11. Gavin Cooper, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Jason Taumalolo, 19. Anthony Mitchell
Panthers: 1. Dean Whare 2. Josh Mansour 3. Wes Naiqama 4. Brad Tighe 5. David Simmons 6. Tom Humble 7. Blake Austin 8. Sam McKendry 9. Kevin Kingston (C) 10. Nigel Plum 11. Sika Manu 12. Lewis Brown 13. Cameron Ciraldo
Interchange: 14. Adam Docker 15. Tim Grant 16. James Segeyaro 17. Clint Newton
Welcome to League Unlimited.com coverage LIVE from 1300SMILES Stadium, tonight it's the Cowboys hosting the Panthers. Some interesting changes for the Cowboys with Robert Lui into the team. Action only minutes away
1 min: We are UNDERWAY as Johnathan Thurston kicks us off in this second Super Saturday clash. Penrith Panthers with the first use of the ball through Sam McKenndry
1 min: Penalty awarded to the Panthers against the Cowboy's Rory Kostjasyn for having a hand on the ball after the held call. Panthers attacking just short of halfway
1 min: Kick from the Panthers rolls dead and it's a 20 metre tap for the Cowboys. Kalifa Faifai Loa taking the 20 metre quick tap
2 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Cowboys, Kalifa Faifai Loa is claiming after stealing the ball out of the contest from the kick.
4 min: TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Kalifa Faifai Loa. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston unsuccessful.
Kalifa Faifai Loa is awarded the four-pointer as he jumped and took the ball out of the arms of Dean Whare as they contested the high ball. A simple opening try for the Cowboys, Johnathan Thurston unable to extend the early lead with the conversion.
North Queensland Cowboys 4-0
Scored by Kalifa Faifai Loa. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston unsuccessful.
Kalifa Faifai Loa is awarded the four-pointer as he jumped and took the ball out of the arms of Dean Whare as they contested the high ball. A simple opening try for the Cowboys, Johnathan Thurston unable to extend the early lead with the conversion.
North Queensland Cowboys 4-0
5 min: Penalty against Tom Humble for being offside as he jumped off the mark too quickly. Cowboys with the big touch finder upfield, they start their set 30 metres from the Panthers goal line
6 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Cowboys, Kane Linnett claiming points as he busted through the defence to crash over. We are looking at obstruction under the posts
7 min: TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Kane Linnett. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Kane Linnett is awarded the try after the video referee found no obstruction in the running play. Matt Bowen running off a short pass from Thurston provides the hole run play for Linnett to score the Cowboy second try. Thurston with the conversion attempt adds the extras.
North Queensland Cowboys 10-0
Scored by Kane Linnett. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Kane Linnett is awarded the try after the video referee found no obstruction in the running play. Matt Bowen running off a short pass from Thurston provides the hole run play for Linnett to score the Cowboy second try. Thurston with the conversion attempt adds the extras.
North Queensland Cowboys 10-0
9 min: Tom Humble fires long kick down field, Matt Bowen trying to stop the ball with his foot but it rolls over the dead ball line. Cowboys earn a 20 metre restart
12 min: TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Antonio Winterstein. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Antonio Winterstein jumping in the contest off the kick from Thurston cleans up the ball from the arms of Dean Whare and dives over. Cowboys scoring their third of another Panthers mistake. Thurston converts to extend the lead
North Queensland Cowboys 16-0
Scored by Antonio Winterstein. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Antonio Winterstein jumping in the contest off the kick from Thurston cleans up the ball from the arms of Dean Whare and dives over. Cowboys scoring their third of another Panthers mistake. Thurston converts to extend the lead
North Queensland Cowboys 16-0
17 min: TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Robert Lui. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Robert Lui scores his first try after coming back into the NRL, he cleaned up another mistake from the Panthers after the Cowboys through Brent Tate created a hole. Cowboys running the Panthers around the park tonight. Thurston is successful with the conversion from right in front.
North Queensland Cowboys 22-0
Scored by Robert Lui. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Robert Lui scores his first try after coming back into the NRL, he cleaned up another mistake from the Panthers after the Cowboys through Brent Tate created a hole. Cowboys running the Panthers around the park tonight. Thurston is successful with the conversion from right in front.
North Queensland Cowboys 22-0
19 min: Penalty to the Cowboys gives the North Queensland side another chance from inside the Panthers half
19 min: The Cowboys make a mistake and on the next play the Cowboys give away a penalty. the Panthers kick up field and start their set just outside the Cowboys 20 metre line.
20 min: Penalty to the Panthers for the Cowboys ruled offside on the goal line. Second chance for points as they look for their first try
22 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Sika Manu makes an unforced error into the tackle as Antonio Winterstein crunched him in the tackle. The Panthers did look for points as Dave Simmons had space on the right side, however no points coming. Play continues with a scrum feed to the Cowboys on their own 10 metre line.
Sika Manu makes an unforced error into the tackle as Antonio Winterstein crunched him in the tackle. The Panthers did look for points as Dave Simmons had space on the right side, however no points coming. Play continues with a scrum feed to the Cowboys on their own 10 metre line.
22 min: Penalty awarded to the Cowboys against Nigel Plum for holding down in the ruck, not allowing the ball to be played. Cowboys attacking 20 metres out
24 min: Cowboys looking to spread the ball quickly from the ruck, but a penalty is given for the Panthers jumping off the line too early. Cowboys with a full set inside the Panthers 10 metre line
25 min: UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scott Bolton makes an unforced error as he charged into the Panthers line. Scrum feed packs down for the Panthers on their 10 metre line.
Scott Bolton makes an unforced error as he charged into the Panthers line. Scrum feed packs down for the Panthers on their 10 metre line.
27 min: Brad Tighe is ruled offside at marker and concedes a penalty as a result. Thurston finds the line and will start the set 20 metres from the Panthers goal line
28 min: Dave Simmons is forced to play at the ball off the grubber from Thurston, as a result it's a line drop out. There is injury concern for Robert Lui who was dragged down in a tackle by Blake Austin
32 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Adam Docker makes an unforced error as charged into defence as he failed to take the short pass from James Segeyaro. The Cowboys pack a scrum feed down on their own 10 metre line
Adam Docker makes an unforced error as charged into defence as he failed to take the short pass from James Segeyaro. The Cowboys pack a scrum feed down on their own 10 metre line
34 min: Penalty to the Cowboys against Anthony Mitchell for laying in the ruck. Panthers with a chance to post points before half time with a set inside the Cowboys 30 metre line.
35 min: James Segeyaro reached out for the goal line next to the posts, but he loses it. Scott Bolton picks up the ball and runs out of the red zone for the Cowboys
40 min: Penalty is awarded to the Cowboys as the half time siren sounds. Penalty goal being taken wide out on the touchline from Thurston
40 min: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Penalty goal attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful as he nailed the kick from the touchline and about 35 metres out.
North Queensland Cowboys 24-0
Penalty goal attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful as he nailed the kick from the touchline and about 35 metres out.
North Queensland Cowboys 24-0
40 min: HALF TIME at 1300SMILES Stadium has the Cowboys running the Panthers around with a commanding lead, 24-0.
41 min: The Second half is UNDERWAY at 1300SMILES Stadium with the Cowboys commanding a 24-0 lead over the Penrith Panthers. The Panthers kick off this half to give the Cowboys the first set.
42 min: TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Kane Linnett. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Kane Linnett has his second try after taking a beautiful inside pass from Johnathan Thurston. The play started 55 metres down field as JT busted the line with a solid show and go. He linked with Linnett who dived over for his second. Thurston with the conversion slots the extra points
North Queensland Cowboys 30-0
Scored by Kane Linnett. Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Kane Linnett has his second try after taking a beautiful inside pass from Johnathan Thurston. The play started 55 metres down field as JT busted the line with a solid show and go. He linked with Linnett who dived over for his second. Thurston with the conversion slots the extra points
North Queensland Cowboys 30-0
45 min: Penalty to the Panthers for a hand in the ruck against the Cowboys after the held call. Chance for the Panthers first points, they attack inside the Cowboys 20 metre zone.
47 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Lewis Brown makes an unforced error as he failed to take the quick pass from Dean Whare. Chance again going begging for the Panthers as a scrum packs for the Cowboys
Lewis Brown makes an unforced error as he failed to take the quick pass from Dean Whare. Chance again going begging for the Panthers as a scrum packs for the Cowboys
48 min: Anthony Mitchell earns the Cowboys a penalty for James Segeyaro ruled offside at the play of the ball. Cowboys attacking on the Panthers 10 metre line.
49 min: UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Tariq Sims makes an unforced error as he steamed onto a short pass from Matt Bowen. He was unable to hold possession, scrum feed packs down for the Panthers on their own 10 metre line.
Tariq Sims makes an unforced error as he steamed onto a short pass from Matt Bowen. He was unable to hold possession, scrum feed packs down for the Panthers on their own 10 metre line.
50 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Brad Tighe makes an unforced error as he failed to take the quick offload from Blake Austin. A few more errors coming into this game now. Cowboys with a scrum feed on halfway.
Brad Tighe makes an unforced error as he failed to take the quick offload from Blake Austin. A few more errors coming into this game now. Cowboys with a scrum feed on halfway.
52 min: UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Kalifa Faifai Loa danced through the Panthers defence and dived for the line but the ball slipped out short of the goal line. Another scrum packs for the Panthers on their own 10 metre line.
Kalifa Faifai Loa danced through the Panthers defence and dived for the line but the ball slipped out short of the goal line. Another scrum packs for the Panthers on their own 10 metre line.
53 min: Penalty to the Panthers for the Cowboys markers in Scott Bolton not ruled square.
56 min: Dean Whare is forced over the dead ball line as he collected the perfect kick off the boot from Thurston. As a result it's a line drop out for the Cowboys.
58 min: Matt Bowen fired a cut out pass to his winger in Kalifa Faifai Loa but it's straight over the touchline. Cowboys unable to post more points, Panthers with a scrum feed on their 10 metre line.
60 min: Time off here with Anthony Mitchell cleaned up by Clint Newton's shoulder. Trainer is on to access Mitchell on field.
60 min: Clint Newton has been placed ON REPORT for contact made to the head of Anthony Mitchell. Penalty given to the Cowboys as they attack inside the Panthers 10 metre line.
61 min: Penalty to the Panthers, they march up over halfway as they still are yet to post their first points
63 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
James Segeyaro has been ruled to have knocked on as Scott Bolton offloaded the ball in the tackle. Scrum feed to the Cowboys on their 10 metre line.
James Segeyaro has been ruled to have knocked on as Scott Bolton offloaded the ball in the tackle. Scrum feed to the Cowboys on their 10 metre line.
66 min: Reports from the sideline that Robert Lui could be out for up to FOUR weeks with the dislocated knee
68 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
Blake Austin dropped the low pass out of acting half from James Segeyaro. Errors becoming an issue at the back end of this game as the Cowboys have another scrum deep in their own half
Blake Austin dropped the low pass out of acting half from James Segeyaro. Errors becoming an issue at the back end of this game as the Cowboys have another scrum deep in their own half
70 min: Josh Mansour breaking free of a tackle and passed away to Blake Austin but it's ruled forward by the officials. Scrum feed for the Cowboys on halfway.
73 min: Kalifa Faifai Loa racing through off the kick of Thurston by Josh Mansour ruled to have played at the ball before it bounced dead. Line drop out called for the Cowboys.
74 min: UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Antonio Winterstein makes an unforced error as he failed to take the long cut out pass from Thurston. Dave Simmons pushing up strong in defence to aid the mistake. Scrum Panthers on their 10 metre line.
Antonio Winterstein makes an unforced error as he failed to take the long cut out pass from Thurston. Dave Simmons pushing up strong in defence to aid the mistake. Scrum Panthers on their 10 metre line.
76 min: The completion rate for both sides as fallen badly with another mistake from the Cowboys.
77 min: UNFORCED ERROR PENRITH PANTHERS
David Simmons makes an unforced error as he reached out and juggled the kick from Tom Humble as he rolled over in goal. Cowboys with a scrum feed on their 10 metre line.
David Simmons makes an unforced error as he reached out and juggled the kick from Tom Humble as he rolled over in goal. Cowboys with a scrum feed on their 10 metre line.
78 min: Penalty to the Cowboys with Nigel Plum not releasing in the ruck. Cowboys find touch and attack 30 metres from the Panthers goal line.
79 min: Back to back penalty for the Cowboys with the Panthers ruled offside at the play of the ball. The Cowboys looking for points to close out the game
80 min: FULL TIME at 1300SMILES Stadium has the Cowboys 30-0 victors over the Penrith Panthers. Johnathan Thurston claims the Man of the Match for LeagueUnlimited.com