The North Queensland Cowboys will know that there is plenty of room for improvement but regardless, they were able to record a 20-6 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Townsville.
In the end, it was some dogged defence that proved the catalyst for the win, as the game had many moments of arm-wrestle football.
In the end, after a hard slog, the Cowboys broke the deadlock on the back of a repeat set as Michael Morgan crossed the line to score.
This was followed up by a try to Gideon Gela-Mosby – his second in 2 games – after a tap-on by Lachlan Coote to make the space.
Leading 14-0 at the break, the Cowboys went through their paces as did Souths but the blow for the Bunnies was exacerbated by the loss of Robbie Farah due to a back complaint.
The Bunnies sole try came off a swift back-line movement that resulted in a try for Robert Jennings.
That was shortlived, though, as John Asiata and Shaun Fensom combined to score pushing the lead back out to 14 points.
The Bunnies had their chances but poor ball control cost them in the end as both sides continued to make errors until the game’s conclusion.
Cowboys coach Paul Green praised his side’s defence after leaking some big point in the first month of the season.
“Defensively we were a lot better tonight which is the area we wanted to improve tonight, I was really happy with that,” Green said.
Player of the Game:
3. Michael Morgan
2. Shaun Fensom
- Kane Linnett.
Cowboys 20 (Michael Morgan, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Shaun Fensom tries; Johnathan Thurston 4 goals) def. Rabbbitohs (Robert Jennings try; Adam Reynolds goal) at 1300 SMILES Stadium. Half-time: 14-0. Crown 13,671. Injuries: Robbie Farah; back.