Five things we learned from the Cowboys’ agonising loss to the Roosters in Sydney

JOHNATHAN Thurston’s competitive nature kicks into gear and Latrell Mitchell once again shows why he’s the best centre in the NRL — here’s what we learned from the Cowboys’ loss to the Roosters.

Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston embrace for the final time in their career. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

JOHNATHAN Thurston’s competitive nature kicks into gear and Latrell Mitchell once again shows why he’s the best centre in the NRL.

Here’s the five things we learned from the Cowboys’ 26-20 loss to the Roosters.

1) JOHNATHAN Thurston is not going to die wondering. Thurston’s form has been questionable in his farewell season but the Cowboys champion proved he is still as foxy as he ever has been when he nearly carried North Queensland to an incredible comeback victory.

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Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston embrace for the final time in their career. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

2) THE Cowboys are a red-hot chance of collecting the wooden spoon this season. Parramatta’s win against the Titans drew them level with the Cowboys and Sea Eagles on 12 competition points. It’s a three-way battle for the spoon in the final four rounds.

3) A YEAR is a long time in football. The Cowboys knocked the Roosters out of the NRL premiership race in last year’s preliminary final at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters are ranked 3rd this year while the Cowboys are 15th.

4) THE Cowboys have got little to lose this year but continue to kick penalty goals when trailing in games. Coach Paul Green says it is a tactic to help get the Cowboys into a groove, but surely North Queensland needs some practice with the ball if they are going to improve.

Latrell Mitchell was massive once again for the Roosters. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

5) LATRELL Mitchell is the best centre in the NRL at the tender age of 21. Mitchell has scored six tries in his past three games and has been in sensational touch since making his State of Origin debut. The sky is the limit for the kid dubbed the next Greg Inglis.