3 minute read
ROUND UP
BY ALF WILSON
In what was an upset, the North Queensland Cowboys beat hot favourites the Melbourne Storm 45-20 in front of almost 19,000 spectators at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium last weekend.
Scores were deadlocked 14-all at halftime then the Cowboys were inspired by a speech from coach Todd Payten at the break.
The Cowboys scored eight tries to three with Reuben Cotter once again one of the best on ground.
Reuben started on the interchange bench after his man of the match performance in the first State of Origin victory by Queensland over NSW just four days before.
The Cowboys moved from 16th place to 14th on the 17 club points table.
The Cowboys have a bye this week before meeting reigning premiers and ladder leading Penrith Panthers Panthers on Friday 15 June 15 in Townsville.
Aj Is A Three Try
HERO
A hat trick of tries by Saibai Islander Alex “AJ” Johnston was a highlight of South Sydney Rabbitohs 46-28 win over the Gold Coast Titans in NRL round 14.
Queensland State of Origin forward David Fifita came off the interchange bench for the Titans just three days after starring for the Maroons in their 26-18 win over NSW. AJ has now scored 12 tries in 13 matches this season.
Ezra Mam Scores Long Range Try
Young five eighth Ezra Mam continued his fine form by scoring a scintillating try in the Brisbane Broncos 20-12 win over the Cronulla at the Sharks home ground Points Bet Stadium on Saturday night.
opener at Adelaide Oval, while Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes played 12 minutes for the Blues.
Five minutes before halftime Ezra scored his classic try and he was dangerous all night.
Ezra started and finished the 90-metre Broncos when he passed the ball near his own line to send giant winger Corey Oates galloping down the touchline and backed up to collect a kick from his winger and score.
The humble Ezra was asked about the try by a FOX Sport commentator after the match and replied, “I got a lucky bounce.”
The Broncos led 14-6 at halftime and never looked like being overhauled.
The Broncos will host the Newcastle Knights at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Brenko Lee Injured In Loss
Impact centre Brenko Lee left the field injured in the first half of the Dolphins 30-8 loss to the Warriors in Auckland last Saturday.
win over the Townsville Blackhawks in round 12 of the Hostplus Queensland Cup.
Former Cowboy and Erub United carnival star Gideon was a danger every time he received the ball and crossed for his four pointer at the 21st minute.
It was 12-all at halftime but the Seagulls took control after the break.
HUNTERS BIG WIN
Buoyed on by a huge parochial home crowd at PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the Hunters defeated the Tweed Head Seagulls 38-14 on Saturday.
Visiting teams find it difficult to come away with the points there and the Hunters try scorers were Tommy Moide, Junior Igila, Morea Morea, Rodrick Tai, Solo Wane and Junior Rop.
Sharp shooter Jamie Mavoko booted five goals in a game in which the Hunters led 18-12 at halftime.
Baira Shines For Dolphins
Promising youngster Brenton Baira scored a try for the Dolphins in their 44-12 victory over the Clydesdales at Kayo Stadium Redcliffe on Saturday.
Cutters End A Drought
Mackay Cutters scored their first win of the season when they beat the Falcons 16-10 at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
The Capras are placed fifth of the ladder, the Northern Pride seventh, the PNG Hunters 10th, the Townsville Blackhawks 12th and the Mackay Cutters 14th.
Next weekend on Saturday the Capras meet Tweed Seagulls at Piggabeen Sports Complex, PNG Hunters v Western Clydesdales at Santos National Football Stadium, Burleigh Bears v Norths Devils at UAA Park, Sunshine Coast Falcons v Townsville Blackhawks at Sunshine
Coast Stadium, Brisbane Tigers v Redcliffe Dolphins at Totally Workwear Stadium and Mackay Cutters v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at BB Print Stadium.
Northern Pride has the bye.
Hastings Deering Colts Premiership Round 7
In round seven of the Hastings Deering Colts Statewide premiership Townsville Blackhawks TS stars Tyreice Baira-Gela and “Deadly” Dudley Dotoi scored tries in the 32-18 win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Jack Manski Oval in Townsville.
Ragarive Wavik kicked four goals and the talented trio look set for bright rugby league futures.
Mackay Cutters went down 16-10 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Northern Pride lost 32-28 to Ipswich Jets.
Javan Mosby and Anderson Kuna scored tries for the Pride.
He made lots of tackles, has some strong runs and was a thorn in the side of the Storm.
That win has turned the tide for the Cowboys who only a few weeks back conceded 66 points in a loss to the West Tigers.
Billed as the match of the round between sides which sat second and third going into round 14, the Broncos showed great determination to win at a ground which is regarded as a Cronulla fortress.
The Broncos had Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Tom Flegler backing up from last Wednesday night’s Origin series
Astute Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett rested two try Queensland Maroons State of Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for the clash.
The Dolphins will take on the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park in round 15, the first time the sides have met. Hamiso will take his place in the side which is good news for Dolphins supporters.
