NRL round 14: New Zealand Warriors defeat North Queensland Cowboys 42-12

North Queensland welcomed back four Queensland Maroons stars but were a step behind the Warriors for 80 minutes, with the New Zealand side piling on the tries in Townsville.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors celebrates after scoring a try during the round 14 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and New Zealand Warriors at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on June 08, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The New Zealand Warriors punished the Cowboys for a lack of polish in a stunning 42-12 victory in Townsville on Saturday evening.

North Queensland welcomed back four Queensland Maroons stars but with the clear exception of Tom Dearden the Cowboys were a step behind their opponents with errors and missed tackles coming back to bite them.

The Warriors raced out to their best start of the season and they were dangerous in the red zone, scoring through a number of channels.

Four first-half tries put New Zealand in the driver’s seat to kick on with a win and they did everything they needed to after the break to close out the victory.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster said it was a performance his side had been working towards over the last month.

“We won two in a row before the bye, (and) came here with plenty of confidence,” Webster said.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors celebrates after scoring a try. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

SLOW STARTING WAHS BUCK TREND

New Zealand had been outscored 44-0 in the opening 20 minutes of its three prior matches but bucked the trend in style as they blew the Cowboys out of the water early.

The Warriors owned the first 20 minutes of the game, holding just less than 70 per cent of possession through the opening quarter as they bashed their way through the North Queensland defence for three tries.

Errors and missed tackles cost the Cowboys and points came too easily for the Warriors. By the time New Zealand led 16-0, the Cowboys had only completed four sets to the Warriors’ 12.

Reuben Cotter was one of four players to back up from Origin duties for the Cowboys. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

MAROONS HANGOVER

The Cowboys had four Queensland Origin stars back up from Wednesday night’s battle with NSW but they largely struggled to make an impact, besides five-eighth Tom Dearden who has consistently been one of North Queensland’s best all season.

Valentine Holmes was loose with possession and off his game in defence, missing four first-half tackles as the Warriors took control.

Reuben Cotter stuck his tackles, making 32 without a miss in the first half and finishing with 40, but he only tucked the ball for four carries during his 65 minutes.

Jeremiah Nanai did not enter the game until the 47th minute and barely made a ripple, making only three runs and 13 tackles.

Despite their wholly lacklustre showings, Payten said he would have done the same again.

“It’s a tough ask, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Payten said.

“Those guys pride themselves on backing up, they make us a better team, but the guys around them have to provide the energy and the spark – not rely on (the Origin players).

“That’s what we’ve got to understand and get better at if we’re going to do it again moving forward.”

Te Maire Martin was outstanding for the Warriors against his former club. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

TE MAIRE MARVELLOUS

Te Maire Martin picked up what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the second half although the tough Kiwi played on.

The former Cowboys five-eighth was one of New Zealand’s best throughout the match playing a leading role in attack. With Shaun Johnson expected to return from injury next week, things are boding well for the Warriors attack.

Webster said he wasn’t rushing to get Johnson back, and that he would allow his halfback to return when he’s completely ready.

Sweet Mullet of God.. DWZ does it again.

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BAFFLING SIN BINS

Chanel Harris-Tavita was stunned when referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski sent him packing for gently throwing the ball at a prone Chad Townsend.

Townsend had just given away a penalty for an early tackle on Kurt Capewell and was receiving some extra attention on the ground when Harris-Tavita tossed the ball at him and sparked a fracas.

Przeklasa-Adamski wasn’t having a bar of it, giving Harris-Tavita his marching orders before sending Townsend to the sideline, telling the veteran halfback he didn’t need to run in and get involved like that.

Fox League commentator Brent Tate wasn’t impressed with what he saw as overzealous officiating.

“I actually think it’s embarrassing. It’s a tough game rugby league, and that was embarrassing,” Tate said from the sideline.

Payten said the strange decision didn’t have any bearing on the defeat.

“I’ve never seen something like that before, but officiating has nothing to do with the result,” Payten said.

COWBOYS 12 (S. Drinkwater, B. Burns tries; V. Holmes (2) goals)

WARRIORS 42 (C. Nicoll-Klokstad (2), A. Fonua-Blake, M. Barnett, R. Berry (2), D. Watene-Zelezniak tries; A. Pompey (6) goals)