The Serve

Cowboys sneak home over Bulldogs

North Queensland has won one of the more bizarre games of league this season, falling over the line to beat the Bulldogs 38-32 at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

The Cowboys seemed to have the match in the bag, leading 38-10 with nineteen minutes remaining. In a stark reminder that they struggle without Johnathan Thurston, the Cowboys watched the Bulldogs pile on four tries in 13 minutes while he was off the field to bring the match to life and almost steal an impossible win.

With the Tigers losing against Newcastle, the Bulldogs are assured of a spot in the top eight, however they can fall as low as eighth if results go against them.

Despite an even start, the Cowboys opened up a 14-nil lead, on the back of a double to Ty Williams, added with a penalty goal.

The Bulldogs always threatened the North Queensland defence, and reduced the gap to 14-10, with tries to Andrew Ryan and Daryl Millard.

The key moment of the match came on the stroke of half time, when Ben Farrar scored an opportunist try to give the home side a handy break.

The Cowboys were blistering in the opening of the second half, with Thurston orchestrating his side to a monster 28 point lead.

Thurston was then rested and the game turned.

The Bulldogs rocketed back into contention with a double to Luke Patten, as well as tries to Willie Tonga and Sonny Bill Williams. The Dogs had six minutes to send the match into extra time but couldn’t make the crucial play.

In a cruel irony, both sides scored six tries each, with the wayward boot of Hazem El Masri costing the Dogs dearly. The Bulldogs winger kicked 4 from 6, while Thurston landed 7 from 7.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes did not take too many positives out of his side’s comeback. 

“They took Johnathan off and took their foot off the pedal.

“It doesn’t gloss over the fact we we’re poor in most areas.”

The Dogs will finish sixth or seventh, with Souths result against the Roosters tomorrow night to determine if the Bulldogs are forced to play Manly in a sudden death semi at Brookvale.

“We came here with everything to play for and we didn’t produce,” said Folkes.

“We all know we’re better than that, but knowing it and doing it are two different things.”

Folkes also made reference to the pre-game chat, which saw Willie Mason label the Cowboys as nothing more than a two game team.

“There’s probably been too much talk and not enough doing.”

In what could be a devastating blow to the Bulldogs, Sonny Bill Williams was placed on report. Williams hit Thurston in a late tackle, which appeared to involve a forearm. Williams has already been suspended this season after decking Andrew Johns in the opening round.

Reni Maitua could also land himself in trouble after a lifting tackle in the first half.