Thanks for joining us tonight. What an entertaining game of football! Despite a game littered with errors, an unlikely comeback kept us on the edge of our seats into golden point. Thurston once again showed fans why he's one of the best players in the world to get the Cowboys over the line - with a final score of 18-17. Stay tuned for the match report to come and join us on the forums for the post match discussion!
North Queensland Cowboys 18-17
SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Field goal attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
He's done it again! Thurston slots a field goal to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the Cowboys.
North Queensland Cowboys 18-17
Cowboys into position once again.
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UNSUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL MELBOURNE STORM
Field goal attempt by Cooper Cronk unsuccessful.
After some big runs from the Storm forward pack, Cooper Cronk has his first field goal attempt of golden point but it is waved away.
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UNSUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Field goal attempt by Johnathan Thurston unsuccessful.
Thurston misses the first attempt of golden point. The Storm with 7 tackles from the 20m line.
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3rd tackle and only 20m out for the Cowboys. Thurston should go now!
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Last tackle for the Storm only 30m out from the line. Cowboys will end their next set in great filed position.
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Thurston opts to kick to the corner instead of attempting a field goal. Storm pegged deep in their half.
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Up to the 40m line in three tackles. Over the half way in 4 tackles.
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Underway in golden point, Cowboys with first use of the ball!
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Cowboys win the toss and choose to run with the wind - a no brainer really!
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Golden point here we come! Scores locked up at the end of 80mins. Cowboys with all the momentum, but you can never right off the Storm.
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SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Field goal attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
BANG! Thurston locks us up here in Townsville. only seconds remain in normal time.
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A penalty against Hinchcliffe sees Cowboys on the attack
Melbourne Storm 17-16
1 minute remains. Cowboys have to go 80m to snatch victory here.
Melbourne Storm 17-16
SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
AMAZING!!!! Thurston slots if from the sideline again with another trademark curling kick. Game on! Cowboys finishing strong!
Melbourne Storm 17-16
TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Matthew Wright. Kick to come.
The Thurston - Coote combination strikes again, leading to a try in the corner for Matthew Wright.
Melbourne Storm 17-14
Cowboys 10 metres out with a full set of 6.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Another penalty to the Cowboys, against Storm centre Will Chambers for a tackle off the play.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Thurston almost goes straight through but is dragged down from behind.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Penalty against Jess Bromwich for a grapple tackle puts the Cowboys on the attack. They need points here.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Another lovely set from the Storm, with Cronk putting the icing on top with another kick into touch close to the Cowboys line.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Just under 6 minutes to go. Storm backs coming in to get the Storm out of their own end. The forwards are struggling.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
Cowboys still looking likely, but need something to happen soon if they are going to escape this.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
A great set of six from the Storm after the field goal sees them kick the ball into touch 10m out from the Cowboys line.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL MELBOURNE STORM
Field goal attempt by Cooper Cronk successful.
Last tackle, Cooper Cronk nails a field goal to give the Storm a 7 point lead.
Melbourne Storm 17-10
10mins to go here in Townsville. It's anyones game as the Storm go on the attack after finding touch off the penalty.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Kick defused by Billy Slater and then a "coach killer" penalty conceded by the Cowboys. Relives the Storm once again, but they do look out o their feet. Can the Storm hold on?
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Cowboys on the last tackle into the Storm 30m
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Taumalolo eating up the metres again!
Melbourne Storm 16-10
UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Billy Slater makes an unforced error.
Storms set of six looked likely but game to an end with a forward pass from Billy Slater. Looked hard done by.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Storm defuse the attacking raid from the Cowboys.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Cowboys forwards starting to get on top on the back of this second half possession. The likes of Jason Taumalolo, Gavin Cooper and Matt Scott starting to eat up the metres.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Marika Koroibete makes an unforced error.
But the attacking raid comes to a poor end after a poor pass from Slater is put down by Koroibete.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Storm work it into opposition end of the field for what seems like the first time this half!
Melbourne Storm 16-10
After a great set from the Cowboys they trap the Storm in the corner, however a relieving penalty goes the way of the Storm.
Melbourne Storm 16-10
Cowboys with their tails up now. James Tamou leading the way with a big carry of the kick-off. Here come the Cowboys!
Melbourne Storm 16-10
SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Thurston is successful from the sideline. Lovely curling kick, riding the wind over the black dot! Back to a converted try game!
Melbourne Storm 16-10
TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Antonio Winterstein. Kick to come.
Winger Winterstein finally breaks the drought and scores in the corner. His second try for the night.
Melbourne Storm 16-8
Cowboys inside the 20m zone once again. They have had 26 tackles inside this zone tonight for only one try.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
The cross field kick from Thurston is fumbled dead in goal by Koroibete. Finally a result for the Cowboys on the last tackle!
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Thurston and Coote starting to combine well. With a wrap around from Coote seeing a small break up the left hand side of the field.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Another poor 5th tackle option their from the Cowboys. The grubber doesn't even make it through the first line of defence and is cleaned up by Hinchcliffe.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys again in great field position. Can they cash in this time around?
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Errors starting to cost both sides - Storm have made 8 and the Cowboys 10. with still 23mins to play.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Tautau Moga makes an unforced error.
On the back of the Coote break Moga puts down a pass. Another knock-on for the Cowboys on the attack.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Lovely set play from the Cowboys sees Thurston put Coote into the backfield but the Storm cover defence scrambles well
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Kurt Mann goes straight through off a short ball from Cronk but the pass is ruled forward. Correctly so. Cowboys scrum 30m out from their own line.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys have had all the running in the second half but just can't seem to crack the Storm defence.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
But the last tackle option wasn't the best, kick goes dead in goal. 20m tap for the Storm.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys looking much better in attack this half than the first. Thurston scheming.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Kick from Thurston on the last tackle is ruled to be have played at by the Storm. 6 to go for the Cowboys.
10m out from the line.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys get the ball back in good field position.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Last tackle kick was sub-par for the home side and is defused easily by the Storm
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Show and go from Michael Morgan sees him sliced straight through but he is dragged down 5m out from the line in a last ditch tackle.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Storm kick just rolls dead in goal, 20m tap for the Cowboys.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Gavin Cooper makes an unforced error.
Cowboys pushing the pass causes another error in Storm territory. Who'd wanna be a coach?
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Smith runs short side on the last, kicks open side but Coote cleans up once again and earns a penalty for a shot from Cameron Smith.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys now with the wind behind their backs but Thurston over does his kick on the last and goes dead in goal. 20m tap for the Storm.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Coote cleans up the grubber kick nicely. Better defensive set from the Cowboys
Melbourne Storm 16-4
The Storm on the back of the mistake go deep on the attack.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Lachlan Coote makes an unforced error.
Error from the Cowboys fullback when deep in Storm territory. the home side can't afford those types of mistakes
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Storm replies with their own complete set. Cowboys winning field position early.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Good set from the Cowboys to start the second half.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Play back underway in the second half
Melbourne Storm 16-4
The Storm lead the Cowboys 16-4 at half-time, here in Townsville. Both teams playing some frantic football at times with the hot weather taking its toll late in the half. It’s been Cronk who has directed the Storm around the park, while for the home side Matt Scott has done a mountain of work for the Cowboys, as usual. With the Cowboys desperate for their first win of the season they will need to lift in the second half if they want the two points.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
siren sounds as Billy Slater defuses the mid field bomb from Morgan. Half-time here at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Frantic play from the storm on their last tackle.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Cowboys have one last chance to add to their score as Coot chimes into the back line, but the movement ends in an error from the Cowboys.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Penalty goes the way of the Cowboys for offside against the Storm.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
Three minutes out from the break.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION MELBOURNE STORM
Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Smith makes no mistake this time. He adds the two points. Two converted try lead for the visitors.
Melbourne Storm 16-4
TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Felise Kaufusi. Kick to come.
Awesome shot ball from Cooper Cronk leads to a try next to the left upright for the Melbourne Storm. Great line run by Kaufusi results in his first try of the season!
Melbourne Storm 14-4
Storm with a full set in attack right on the Cowboys line - smith, crank and slater look ominous
Melbourne Storm 10-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Antonio Winterstein makes an unforced error.
Cross filed kick cleaned up by Antonion Winterstein before knocking it on in his haste to play the ball.
Melbourne Storm 10-4
Storm into Cowboys 20m zone. on the last tackle.
Melbourne Storm 10-4
Melbourne bringing the ball out of their own end. Looking to throw the ball around.
Melbourne Storm 10-4
The heat looks to be getting to some of the players. Half time can't come quick enough for some of them!
Melbourne Storm 10-4
UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION MELBOURNE STORM
Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith unsuccessful.
Pretty simple missed conversion from Smith there, the captain won't be happy with that.
Melbourne Storm 10-4
TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Marika Koroibete. Kick to come.
Marika Koroibete defuses a bomb deep in his own territory, beats 2 cowboys defenders and runs 100m to score his 2nd try of the season.
Melbourne Storm 10-4
Very much an 'arm-wrestle' type of game so far. Neither side gaining much advantage at the moment
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Ryan Hinchcliffe makes an unforced error.
Drop ball from the storm.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Relieving penalty against Ethan Lowe for a strip. Storm finds touch 40m out from cowboys line
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Lachlan Coote makes an unforced error.
Greta defence leads to a knock on from the cowboys.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Cooper Cronk makes an unforced error.
Cronk knocks on in an attempt to defuse the last tackle kick from the Cowboys. 4th set in a row for the Cowboys. Something has got to give!
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Great set play from the Cowboys sees winterstein pulled up only a metre short. Still deep on the attack.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Bit of a "nothing" set from the Cowboys in attack, but finished off with yet another great kick from Thurston. Another drop out from the Storm.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
The cowboys force Tohu Harris back into the in-goal to earn a repeat set after a lovely kick from Thurston.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Kick from Thurston is misjudged by the storm and the cowboys recover possession. 6 to go. deep on the attack.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Cowboys working it out of their territory
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Another great kick from the Storm halfback but is defused by Lachlan Coote
Melbourne Storm 6-4
Great kick from Cooper Cronk at the back end of the set sees Michael Morgan tackled in goal. Drop out Cowboys.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
James Tamou makes an unforced error.
Average pass from dummy half puts the Storm back on the attack.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston unsuccessful.
Score remains Melbourne 6 - Cowboys 4.
Melbourne Storm 6-4
TRY NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Scored by Antonio Winterstein. Kick to come.
Great pass from Thurston leads to first points to the Cowboys. 6-4, kick to come
Melbourne Storm 6-4
UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Young Tonumaipea makes an unforced error.
Error from the Melbourne Storm winner on the first tackle on his own 20m line. Cowboys best chance for points.
Melbourne Storm 6-0
Another set from the Storm ending deep in the Cowboys half. Melbourne on top early.
Melbourne Storm 6-0
Easy metres for Melbourne the try. After a good kick from Cronk the Cowboys are trapped deep in their own territory.
Melbourne Storm 6-0
SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION MELBOURNE STORM
Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Great Conversion from the sideline from Cameron Smith, Melbourne leads 6-0.
Melbourne Storm 6-0
TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Kurt Mann. Kick to come.
Try time! Kurt Mann get first points for the Melbourne Storm.
Melbourne Storm 4-0
Possible try in the left hand corner for Melbourne Storms, Kurt Mann. Video ref decision pending.
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UNFORCED ERROR NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Lachlan Coote makes an unforced error.
Kick out on the full. Giving Melbourne great field position
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Cowboys looking disjointed in attack.
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Both teams still feeling each other out in the early stages. Melbourne on the attack.
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Cowboys safely complete their first set of 6, culminating with a kick into touch 10m out from the Storm line
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Conservative first set from the Storm, with and early kick on the 4th tackle from Cronk
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Game on! Referee Cummins blows time on and Johnathan Thurston gets us underway! Melbourne will have first use of the Steeden.
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The Cowboys have a poor record against Melbourne winning only 8 of 27 clashes, including only 5 out of 16 at 1300SMILES Stadium. However, weather conditions should favor the locals tonight – very hot and windy conditions face the players in Townsville.
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The Storm fields the same 17 that took care of Cronulla last Saturday night despite rumours Cooper Cronk was going to be a late withdrawal. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Hymel Hunt drop off the extended bench for the visitors.
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Late team news – For the home side, Rory Kostjasyn has been relegated to the bench. Jake Granville takes his spot in the starting side. While Kelepi Tanginoa has also been ruled out, replaced by the 18th man, John Asiata. The Cowboys welcome back wingers Antonio Winterstein and Matthew Wright, with James Tamou moving from the bench to the starting side, in replace of Ben Hannant who will come off the bench.
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Welcome to the final game of Round 4. Tonight the North Queensland Cowboys host the Melbourne Storm at 1300SMILES Stadium. The Cowboys are hoping to notch their first win of the season, while the Storm come into the game with a 2-1 win-loss record to start the season and will be looking to build on an impressive 36-18 victory over the Sharks last week. Play is due to get underway at 7pm AEDT
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Referees & scorers:
Referee: Ben Cummins, Henry Perenara
Touch Judges: Russell Turner, Adam Gee
Video Referee: Jared Maxwell, Steve Folkes
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (18)
Tries: Antonio Winterstein (2), Matthew Wright
Field Goals: Johnathan Thurston (2/3)
Conversions: Johnathan Thurston (2/3)
Penalty Goals:
MELBOURNE STORM (17)
Tries: Kurt Mann, Marika Koroibete, Felise Kaufusi
Field Goals: Cooper Cronk (1/2)
Conversions: Cameron Smith (2/3)
Penalty Goals: