The North Queensland Cowboys scored two tries in the last 15 minutes to secure a much needed 17-10 win over Parramatta at 1300Smiles Stadium on Saturday.
After squandering several chances in the first half the Cowboys found their rhythm late as Kyle Feldt and Tom Opacic crossed to secure Paul Green’s men just their fourth win of 2019.
It was the Cowboys who got the scoring started in the sixth minute when veteran prop Matt Scott crashed over for the 18th try of his 261-game career off a Jake Granville pass.
Scott looked to have grabbed a double soon after but the try was called back for obstruction by Coen Hess – a common theme in the first half as the hosts wasted several opportunities.
With Origin selection looming, Scott made a statement with a powerful game up front and he was ably supported by the unstoppable Jason Taumalolo (233 metres, 40 tackles).
Match: Cowboys v Eels
Round 10 -
home Team
Cowboys
13th Position
away Team
Eels
8th Position
Venue: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
Trailing 6-0, the Eels hit back in the 26th minute after Manu Ma’u stormed down field and Mitch Moses put in a beautifully weighted kick which Jordan Kahu fumbled. Brad Takairangi was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and the Eels had levelled the scores.
The Cowboys had a chance to take the lead eight minutes before half-time but Kahu's penalty goal hit the upright.
The second half started well for the Cowboys as they marched down the field and Granville came within a metre of the line and popped a pass to Michael Morgan.
The skipper then had a horror moment as his pass was intercepted by Josh Hoffman, who ran the length of the field to secure the Eels' second try.
Feldt try gets the Cowboys level
Just when it seemed the Eels were finishing stronger the Cowboys levelled the scores in the 65th minute when Feldt scored in the right corner off a deft pass from stand-in centre Mitch Dunn.
Nine minutes later Opacic scored from close range after Eels winger Blake Ferguson had put a pass down just 10 metres out from his own line.
Kahu then iced the win with a field goal in the 77th minute.
The only sour note for the Cowboys was the loss of centre Ben Hampton early in the game with a suspected ruptured biceps.
