Cowboys Overcome Depleted Storm as Papenhuyzen Suffers Injury
In a dramatic showdown on Thursday night, the North Queensland Cowboys outlasted a shorthanded Melbourne Storm with a thrilling 38-30 victory at home. This high-octane clash, featuring a staggering 11 tries, not only showcased the Cowboys' tenacity but also significantly bolstered their chances of securing a Townsville-based start to the NRL finals.
The game saw an early setback for Melbourne, with star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen being forced off the field just 14 minutes into the match. Papenhuyzen, who has been battling injury issues throughout the season, appeared to aggravate a lower leg injury while returning a kick from the in-goal area. Despite initial fears, the Storm have downplayed the seriousness of the injury, describing it as merely a cork. Papenhuyzen’s departure, however, was a significant blow to the Storm’s plans.
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Adding to Melbourne's woes, centre Marion Seve also left the game early due to an ankle injury sustained during an attempt to stretch for a try. With 11 changes made to the side that recently clinched the minor premiership, the Storm were already operating with a makeshift lineup, which undoubtedly affected their performance.
The Cowboys capitalized on Melbourne’s vulnerabilities. Despite missing 27 tackles in the first half alone, North Queensland's resilience shone through. Early errors from the Cowboys, including two in quick succession, allowed Melbourne’s Lazarus Vaalepu to score his first NRL try. However, the hosts quickly responded with tries from Kyle Feldt and Murray Taulagi. Alec MacDonald and Tyran Wishart added further tries, demonstrating the Cowboys' attacking prowess despite their own defensive lapses.
The first half saw a particularly strong showing from Cowboys' Valentine Holmes, who scored two tries and converted seven of seven attempts, showcasing his accuracy and skill. Holmes, in his 200th game, was pivotal in maintaining the Cowboys’ lead going into halftime, despite their completion rate being only 12 first-half sets.
The second half saw a series of ups and downs for both teams. The Storm managed to level the scores after a short Cowboys drop-out went awry, allowing Tyran Wishart to score. But the Cowboys quickly regained control. Reece Robson’s opportunistic play and Dean Ieremia’s effort further solidified their lead. North Queensland's defense held strong against multiple Melbourne attacks, with standout performances from debutant Ativalu Lisati and a dynamic display from Sualauvi Faalogo, who stepped up after Papenhuyzen’s exit.
This win not only reflects the Cowboys' ability to adapt and perform under pressure but also puts them in a strong position for the upcoming finals. As they prepare for the concluding round of the regular season, North Queensland's victory adds significant momentum to their campaign.
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