Cowboys v Storm: Five things we learned from the Storm’s win over the Cowboys

FELISE Kaufusi’s Origin debut is under threat, while Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston likely meet for the final time - five things we learned from Melbourne’s win over North Queensland.

Cameron Munster nailed the match winning field goal for the Storm.

FELISE Kaufusi could miss his dream Maroons debut, while Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston likely meet for the final time.

Here’s five things we learned from Melbourne’s 7-6 win over North Queensland.

1 – FELISE Kaufusi’s Origin debut is under threat after the Melbourne backrower was placed on report for dangerous contact on Matt Scott.

Kaufusi appeared to target Scott’s left leg – the one he injured last week – in a tackle and then pulled the leg out.

Kaufusi was a certainty to be named in the Queensland team on Monday but will now have a nervous wait today as the match review committee assess the incident.

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2 - THE Cowboys’ forward depth could be tested further after starting prop Scott Bolton went off with a rib cartilage problem last night.

He appeared to suffer the injury in the 4th minute but continued to play on until he was called off late in the first half.

He didn’t return and it is unclear whether he is facing time on the sideline. With Jordan McLean and John Asiata already out, and Origin to take its toll, the Cowboys will be hoping he’s fit for next week.

Cameron Munster nailed the match winning field goal for the Storm.

3 – THE Cowboys’ finals hopes are barely there. They have to win at least nine of their next 12 games if they are any chance of making the top eight.

With Origin now here, it seems to be a mission impossible for Paul Green’s men.

The effort was there against Melbourne but too many mistakes and a cool and calm Cameron Munster led to their ninth loss.

4 – CALLS have been made for more protection around playmakers after a late hit from Sam Kasiano on Johnathan Thurston.

The Cowboys skipper went to the ground after the late tackle, which commentators argued Kasiano could have avoided.

Andrew Johns labelled it a “dog shot” and called for the Storm forward to be suspended for four weeks while Darren Lockyer said he should have been sin-binned.

Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith have likely met for the final time.

5 – THAT may have been the last time we will see Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith on a field together.

With no more representative games for either player, the Cowboys’ poor start to the season means they are a chance of missing the finals series.

It was a tough and gritty battle and Smith came out the victor yet again.

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