5 things we learned from the Cowboys 34-6 win over the Warriors

THE Cowboys got their title defence back on track with a thumping 34-6 win over the Warriors. Here’s five things we learned from the victory.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA — AUGUST 20: Ray Thompson of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try with team mates during the round 24 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at 1300 SMILES Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

THE Cowboys got their title defence back on track with a thumping 34-6 win over the Warriors. Here’s five things we learned from the victory.

1) North Queensland’s forwards have found their mongrel again. Even without injured enforcer Matt Scott, they flexed their muscle against a monster Warriors pack.

The premiers were mugged in midfield during their three-match losing streak but they played with more energy around the ruck.

The Cowboys charged for 1362 metres and turned the screws on the Warriors, who managed just 862.

2) Look out Canterbury — the Cowboys are gunning for a top-four spot. The win moved North Queensland to within one win of the Dogs and they will leapfrog them into fourth with victory this Thursday night at Belmore.

The premiers’ points differential (+205) is far superior to Canterbury’s (+84) and that could be decisive in the battle for a second chance.

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3) Jason Taumalolo is storming back into form on the eve of the finals. Taumalolo hasn’t been at his damaging best in the past fortnight but last night he terrorised the Warriors.

The Kiwi Test back-rower scored a try and amassed a staggering 165 metres in the first half alone. Just as importantly, Taumalolo had more energy in his runs.

Taumalolo was superb for the Cowboys.

4) The Cowboys look a far more dangerous unit when Michael Morgan alleviates pressure on Johnathan Thurston. The champion halfback challenged his teammates to overcall him for the ball before the game and Morgan showed the gumption to do it.

The Maroons utility set the tone with two grubber kicks for Kyle Feldt’s first-half brace and the Warriors never recovered. He iced a fine game with a try 10 minutes from time.

5) The Warriors don’t deserve to make the finals. Mathematically, they can still make the top eight with home victories over the Tigers and Parramatta in the final fortnight.

But their defensive efforts in the past seven days against Souths and the Cowboys have been woeful.

Even in attack, the Warriors make too many unforced errors and lack the discipline to be a force in the finals.

Originally published as 5 things we learned from the Cowboys 34-6 win over the Warriors