5 things we learned from the Eels’ shock 20-16 win over the Cowboys

THE Cowboys must find a way to keep James Tamou and Ethan Lowe. Here’s five things we learned from Parramatta’s 20-16 win over North Queensland.

Ethan Lowe celebrates a try for the Cowboys during the Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys NRL round 2 game at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. pic Mark Evans

THE Cowboys must find a way to keep James Tamou and Ethan Lowe. Here’s five things we learned from Parramatta’s 20-16 win over North Queensland.

1 -Paul Green showed he isn’t afraid to mix up his team by starting the match with regular No. 9 Jake Granville on the bench. Rory Kostjasyn is a solid defender but the Cowboys attack stuttered early on and he made a simple error which led to Parramatta’s first points.

2 — Of the 16 players off-contract in Townsville this year, James Tamou could be the most important for the Cowboys to retain. Tamou had the most metres, runs and tackles of any Cowboy in his opening stint.

James Tamou takes on the Eels defence.

3 — The Cowboys have a fight on their hands to keep back-rower Ethan Lowe in Townsville. Lowe is the team’s most improved player in the past year, has provided a genuine attacking option on Michael Morgan’s side and will attract a lot of interest from rival clubs.

4 — Matt Scott was placed on report for putting pressure on the neck of Parramatta forward Kenny Edwards but should be cleared by the match review panel. It was an awkward tackle but Scott should be free to face the Roosters.

5 — The Cowboys received a wake-up call to what it will be like to carrying the tag of reigning premiers. Every team will lift an extra gear in the hope of knocking them off this year.

Originally published as 5 things we learned from the Eels’ shock 20-16 win over the Cowboys