What we learned from Cowboys’ loss to the Sharks in Johnathan Thurston’s Sydney farewell

SPOON bowl awaits sorry Cowboys and Jake Clifford proves he is worth persisting with — what we learned from the Cowboys’ 28-16 loss to the Sharks.

Jake Clifford has earned another chance in the Cowboys halves. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

SPOON bowl awaits sorry Cowboys and Jake Clifford proves he is worth persisting with.

Here’s what we learned from the Cowboys’ 28-16 loss to the Sharks.

1. The Cowboys and Parramatta will officially wage a wooden-spoon battle this Friday night. North Queensland were brave against the Sharks on Saturday night but the narrow loss leaves them equal last with the Eels. Johnathan Thurston must produce one more magic act in his final home game.

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Jordan McLean has been strong since returning from injury this season. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

2. Jordan McLean has been outstanding in his return from injury. Sidelined for four months, McLean stood up in the absence of Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo. The giant prop ran for 156 metres and typified his dominance when he crashed over in the 64th minute.

3. Te Maire Martin is not the long-term answer for the Cowboys at fullback. In the space of 30 seconds on Saturday night, he dropped a bomb then slipped over for Chad Townsend’s crucial match-turning try to give Cronulla a 12-6 lead. Unwanted Lachlan Coote is a better fullback.

Jake Clifford has earned another chance in the Cowboys halves. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

4. The Cowboys should persist with Jake Clifford in the halves next season. The 20-year-old has made some rookie errors but displayed some nice touches against the Sharks and could work well as a support act to Michael Morgan next season.

5. The Sharks cannot afford to lose Valentine Holmes. The Cowboys are keen to bring the Townsville junior home and they got a close-up look at his brilliance on Saturday night. While he failed to add to his season tally of 19 tries, Holmes was a constant threat with his speed and footwork.

Originally published as What we learned from Cowboys’ loss to the Sharks in Johnathan Thurston’s Sydney farewell