North Queensland Cowboys defeat Penrith Panthers 14-12, as Ethan Lowe kicks later sideline conversion
IF North Queensland had been at all concerned by Johnathan Thurston’s absence against Penrith, they didn’t show it, wrapping up a thrilling 14-12 victory.
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JOHNATHAN Thurston, eat your heart out.
Cowboys forward Ethan Lowe stepped up and delivered his own JT moment to deliver North Queensland a thrilling 14-12 victory against Penrith at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Thurston was an entire state’s hero in Origin II on Wednesday as he battled through a serious shoulder injury to kick a matchwinning conversion and level the series.
This time it was Lowe’s opportunity to etch his name into Cowboys folklore and he took it with both hands.
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The synergies were eerie after Michael Morgan, who helped rescue Queensland at ANZ Stadium, again orchestrated a try in the final minutes, this time Kyle Feldt soaring high to level scores.
Stepping up to the goalkicking plate in Thurston’s absence, Lowe showed the steel of the Cowboys legend to send the ball over the black dot from the sideline and win the game.
“It was never in doubt according to Lowey,” coach Paul Green said.
“He kicked a lot as a young bloke. Even though Johhno is our main kicker, the others still practice and that’s the reason why.
“It was Lowey’s day today. I was really pleased for him.”
It was an important victory for the Cowboys who will be without Thurston for the remainder of the season.
It has been 12 years since North Queensland has had to contemplate life without their hero in a headgear after he first graced Townsville in 2005.
He led the Cowboys to the club’s first grand final appearance that year and the rest of his journey needs little explanation.
Thurston will play a final NRL season in 2018 but the 17,876 in the crowd got a glimpse of what life without JT could be like.
The Cowboys have played without their mercurial leader before but it has been six years since he missed a considerable chunk of the season.
Thurston, 34, has been sidelined for the rest of 2017 by a shoulder injury which not only robbed him of his 300th NRL appearance but also his State of Origin farewell at Suncorp Stadium on July 12.
Queensland was the beneficiary of Thurston’s brilliance and courage in his 37th appearance for the Maroons but it is the Cowboys who are now hurting.
The Cowboys weren’t completely rudderless but they lacked direction until midway through the second half when Morgan, the man expected to replace Thurston in the Maroons No. 6 jersey for the decider, came to life.
“We’ve still got a lot of talent in our team,” captain Gavin Cooper said after his 250th NRL game.
“Johnno will be sorely missed but we’ve still got some boys that are fairly special.
“Morgo really took control at the end of the game when he really needed to. He’s a special player. He copped a lot of criticism earlier in the year when JT was out, through no fault of his own.
“He’s asked for more of a role and it’s shown over the past eight weeks. He’s been really good for us.
“We’ve got some boys in our team who can stand up and make big plays.”
The early signs weren’t good for the Cowboys as Panthers pivot Matt Moylan shook off an early headclash to continue his hot form, putting Corey Harawira-Naera over for the opening points inside nine minutes.
Jake Granville sparked the Cowboys after spending 40 minutes on the bench due to a facial cut but it was Morgan who struck a blow, creating a half-opportunity for Corey Jensen to score his first NRL try and level scores in the 57th minute.
North Queensland hit the lead shortly after thanks to a penalty goal but it was short-lived as Nathan Cleary was somewhat controversially awarded a try by The Bunker.
Feldt soared over Josh Mansour to level scores again at 12-all before Lowe sunk the matchwinner with less than two minutes on the clock.
Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys defeat Penrith Panthers 14-12, as Ethan Lowe kicks later sideline conversion
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