To steal a line from Aussie music legend Paul Kelly, the Cowboys had done 'all the dumb things' during their five-game losing streak, but fullback Scott Drinkwater senses they have turned a corner after clawing their way to a 28-22 win over the Rabbitohs.
Heading into Magic Round without a win since early April, the Cowboys were desperate for a change of fortunes and although it was still far from perfect, Drinkwater said the team's ability to fight and scrap their way to victory was a huge positive.
"The effort has been there every game, we just needed a win, and we found a way to get one," Drinkwater said.
"We just do silly things and we need to mature as a rugby league team and understand what’s needed at certain times in a game.
"I thought we had improved that the last couple of seasons [from that immature stuff] but we've gone back to it a bit this year.
All Tries – Rabbitohs v Cowboys
"We're a bit frantic and panicked at different, not taking the right options.
"We had gone back to old habits but at least tonight we were fighting and scrapping all the way to end when Kuli [Finefeuiaki] came up with that big play to knock it dead."
Coming up with 158 run metres, five tackle breaks and two try assists to play a leading role in the much-needed win, Drinkwater ensured his name would remain in the mix for NSW Blues selection when the team is chosen after Round 12.
Drinkwater was 18th man for Game Three last year and has the versatility to fill a number of roles in the backline but he is brutally honest when it comes to rating his chances of a Blues debut.
"There's definitely a fire [to play Origin] but I'm a realist and my form over the whole season, I haven’t put it together for a whole 80 minutes this season," he said.
"Dylan [Edwards] or Teddy [James Tedesco] will be the fullback and they'll do a great job. I'll be cheering for the Blues no matter what but I don’t believe I will be there.
"Moments have come my way in games and I haven’t executed the moments and it has hurt the team. I need to keep icing the moments.:
One man who certainly iced his opportunities against the Rabbitohs was winger Braidon Burns, who bagged a double and ran for 175 metres in his first game for the club.
Having only joined the Cowboys a fortnight ago after playing five games for South Sydney’s NSW Cup team this season, the 27-year-old made every post a winner filling in for Kyle Feldt.
"It's a big move to come up here and move his young family away from home. I did it myself five years ago so I know where he's coming from," Drinkwater said.
"When he got presented his jersey he said he felt like it was a second chance to give it a crack, coming to a new city.
"He is energetic, he trains really hard, and I was really happy for him tonight to get a double against his old mob."