Cowboys eclipse Broncos in Suncorp Thriller
Video Review: Click Here
Last years premiers the Brisbane Broncos went down to the North Queensland Cowboys 23 to 16 tonigh at Suncorp in front of 50,400 fans.
In an impressive affair, both sides went hammer and tong from the first whistle. Set plays, inside balls and stylish attack was evident - with execution that was simply amazing for Round 1 NRL.
The game had a lot of feeling as the local Queensland Derby always has, and big hits were evident from the outset.
The Cowboys started the better, with 2 early tries to centre Ashley Graham. New buy Jason Smith was slick in attack and worked wonders with Thurston, the new combination looking dangerous on every play and the Cowboys now have many options on both sides of the play the ball.
Jason Smith was caught out in defence a few times, his first misread leading to the Broncos early try - with Dane Carlaw hitting a short no look pass from Berrigan at dummy half to charge over from 5 metres.
The Bronocs experiment with Karmichael Hunt at Half seems to be a smart one, with the Kiwi star looks comfortable in both attack and defence. His development in the role and combination with Lockyer will reap dividends as the season continues.
The Broncos young guns jumped to life in the second half and quick fire tries to Karmichael Hunt and Joel Moon saw the game locked at 16 all.
Both sides had chances to nail a field goal, but it was the Cowboys who scored last with 5 minutes to go. Matt Bowen latching on to an inside ball and stepping Karmichael Hunt beautifully to score untouched.
Bowen capped a blinder of a match for himself with a late field goal to ensure the result.
Tonights 2nd NRL game was played at blinding pace and at a high skill level. Buckle up for big ride in 2007, as these two heavyweights put on a classy show.
In injury worries for both sides, Lockyer may have damaged his ankle and the result won't be known until tomorrow. Corey Parker also sprained his wrist and will be out for at least 6 weeks. For the Cowboys, a calf problem for Luke O'Donnell with be monitored and Steve Southern injured his shoulder in a first half tackle - both will be assesed tomorrow.
North QLD Cowboys 23 (Ashley Graham 2, Mark Henry, Matt Bowen tries; Johnathan Thurston 3 goals, Matt Bowen field goal)
Defeated
Brisbane Broncos 16 (Dane Carlaw, Karmichael Hunt, Joel Moon tries; Darren Lockyer 2 goals)
At Suncorp Stadium
Crowd – 50,416
Referee – Steve Clark
