Cowboys v Knights: Brave Newcastle break North Queensland’s heart in thrilling 16-14 victory

NEWCASTLE produced a stunning comeback to upset North Queensland 16-14 in a thrilling finish on Saturday night.

Cowboys v Newcastle Knights

JOEY Leilua must have thought Christmas had come early in Townsville on Saturday night.

Not even a hail mary 57m penalty kick from Kyle Feldt at the death could save North Queensland’s blushes, with the Cowboys winger pushing the attempt wide, resulting in Newcastle escaping Townsville with a 16-14 victory.

It all unravelled in the space of two plays for the Cowboys when Leilua scored his team’s winning try in yet another disastrous defensive display from the Cowboys, who snatched defeat from the jaws in a brutal contest at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Joseph Leilua of the Knights is tackled by Ethan Lowe.

Given the ball from an inside pass, Leilua ran at the tryline with Newcastle trailing 14-10, but instead of being pulled down by frantic defenders, he found nothing in front of him.

It was a dismal moment that took all the gloss from what could have been a gutsy win from North Queensland, but now the selection axe will almost be brought out from coach Paul Green’s cupboard.

Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston will again face a nervous wait at the judiciary, placed on report for a 50th high shot on Akuila Uate, while Thurston himself copped a barrage of late hits, including an 18th minute shot from Beau Scott who was placed on report as well.

Jeremy Smith is tackled by Johnathan Thurston and Gavin Cooper.

It appeared North Queensland were heading for a solid comeback from last weekend’s disastrous season opener, with hard working second rower scoring the Cowboys first, followed by Matt Scott.

The Knights still remained touch when Leilua crossed for his fist near the break, and the Cowboys conceded another when Uate crossed in the near corner.

Sloppy play continued until Leilua got his unexpected opportunity, much to the dismay of the 13,006 North Queensland fans looking.

Cowboys winger Justin O’Neill endured further misery after a forgettable Cowboys’ debut last week, stretched from the field in the first half as a precautionary measure following a heavy tackle.

Justin O'Neill is stretched off the field. Picture: Zak Simmonds

NEWCASTLE 16 (J Leilua 2 A Uate tries T Roberts 2 goals) bt NORTH QUEENSLAND 14 (E Lowe M Scott tries J Thurston 3 goals) at 1300SMILES Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Matt Noyen. Crowd: 13,006.

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