5 things we learned from the Sea Eagles 30-8 victory over the Cowboys

THE forwards aren’t the problem and Kalyn Ponga needs time. Here’s five things we learned from the Cowboys 30-8 loss against Manly.

NRL Round 3. North Queensland Cowboy's Kalyn Ponga takes on Manly Sea Eagles Jake Trbojevic during the match at 1300 SMILES Stadium, Townsville, QLD. Picture: Wesley Monts

THE forwards aren’t the problem and Kalyn Ponga needs time.

Here’s five things we learned from the Cowboys 30-8 loss against Manly.

1) WHILE execution was poor, the Cowboys depleted forward pack did well last night. Scott Bolton made 154m off 19 runs plus 28 tackles.

Coen Hess also notched up 114m while Ethan Lowe made 131m swapping between lock and centre.

Once again the younger forwards such as Patrick Kaufusi could do more to help the side.

The Cowboys did not miss Jason Taumalolo as much as expected.

2) SPEEDY winger Gideon Gela-Mosby has emerged as a possible contender for an NRL debut after the Cowboys lost yet another back to injury.

Justin O’Neill left the field in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return. Kyle Feldt also struggled with an ankle injury.

Gela-Mosby has been in Paul Green’s squad each week and could easily slot in on the wing if either back isn’t fit.

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3) COWBOY fans were waiting to see Kalyn Ponga in action at fullback, but it was probably not the performance they were expecting.

The youngster showed flashes of brilliance throughout but like the rest of his side, was unable to strike when it was needed most.

Hopefully next week produces bigger and better things for the teen sensation.

4) WINGER Kyle Feldt suffered what looked to be a serious ankle injury in last night’s match but was struggling long before the injury struck.

After last week putting in a solid performance against the Broncos, he showed another side against Manly.

He fumbled a Daly Cherry-Evans grubber to allow Jorge Taufua to score in the first half, gave away a penalty and put a kick-off out on the full.

Nate Myles had yet another day to forget.

5) THERE have been questions over Nate Myles’ job security with the Maroons for a long time now and he did little to push for a spot last night.

With Matt Scott gone for the season, Queensland will need some forward leadership.

But Myles made just four runs for 34m in the first half and gave away three penalties.

The signs are not convincing.