Jeremiah Nanai starred as the Cowboys stunned Penrith 26-12 to snap a three-game losing streak and deliver club legend Jason Taumalolo a win in his milestone 300th game.
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
MATCH CENTRE: Cowboys vs. Panthers score, stats, Supercoach
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“That sits as one of the best club wins as the history of the Cowboys. They were up against Penrith who were running hot,” Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
Nanai may have just played himself into a Maroons jersey with an incredible performance, scoring in each half including the match-sealing try with five minutes to play at a heaving sold-out Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The lethal left backrower has now scored three tries in three appearances this season and the only thing standing between him and an Origin call-up is his potential lack of match fitness.
Penrith’s ball security was abysmal through the opening 20 minutes, completing less than half of their sets, but the Cowboys were unable to punish them on the scoreboard.
Conditions were perfect but the Panthers simply couldn’t hold onto the ball as they were rocked by North Queensland’s bone-rattling defence.
Tom Jenkins extended his lead atop the NRL’s tryscoring charts with a first-half double, striking on the cusp of halftime to square the ledger at 10-all.
Neither team was able to reach the in-goal for most of the second half, trading penalty goals until Nanai flew high and extended his long arm to score the decisive four-pointer.
BIG HITS
MILESTONE HOODOO BROKEN
Taumalolo has finally won a milestone game after suffering defeat in his debut, 50th, 100th, 150th, 200th, 250th and record-breaking 295th game.
The talismanic Tongan wound back the clock with a stellar performance, leading North Queensland’s forwards in runs (16), metres (178) and tackle breaks (4) while making 12 tackles.
Taumalolo reflects after 300th game | 03:12
ORIGIN WATCH
Penrith backrower Liam Martin had a solid game with a trademark tough showing on the right edge, however a costly error with 10 minutes to go invited the Cowboys into position to take the lead.
All of the incumbent Origin players from both sides survived the match unscathed, and while Nanai was a constant danger on the left edge, he might not have enough football under his belt to earn selection.
Dylan Edwards had his moments at the back for Penrith but made a costly late error, and is unlikely to have done himself any selection favours.
PENRITH’S BOGEY TEAM
The Cowboys are undefeated in their last four meetings with the Panthers, boasting the best record of any NRL team against this decade’s dominators.
It marked the first time since 2019 that Penrith has lost back-to-back contests in Queensland, following last week’s 19-18 defeat to the Titans.
With 26 points, the Cowboys ended Penrith’s seven-game run of conceding fewer than 20 points.
STAT ATTACK – Fox Sports Lab
Fox Lab Expected Set Points: Cowboys 26.1, Panthers 18.3
The Cowboys stormed home with their possession telling at the back of the game. They finished the match with 55 percent possession and 74 tackles to 30 in the opposition half, including 32 tackles to 10 in the red zone.
Jason Taumalolo celebrates game 300 with his first win from any of his milestone games. He had lost games 1, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 295 (Cowboys record game).
Cowboys won 5-1-4 record against the Panthers since 2021 is the only winning record against Penrith over that period.
Cowboys snap a three game losing streak to secure their ninth win of the season.
Panthers first consecutive losses of the season, in conjunction with their lowest score. Only the fourth time they have been held to less than 20 points this year.
Murray Taulagi’s try in the second minute was the quickest try against the Panthers in more than a decade – and the Panthers error set the scene for the night. They completed just 62 percent of their sets, their worst handling performance since 2019.
Izack Tago was placed on report for a high tackle at the hour mark. He has one unrelated charge in this past 12 months
Isaiah Papali’i was sent for a HIA in the final 20 minutes after a collision with Jason Taumalolo.
Tom Jenkins scored ANOTHER try double – he now has 22 tries for the season – all scored at multiples. He is now just three tries short of the Panthers all time season record by Rhys Wesser in 2003.
Fox Lab POTM – Jeremiah Nanai’s grabbed the 10th try double of his career in a powerful performance. His tackle to open the game forced the Panthers error, and he ran for over 100 metres, busting five tackles and making 2 linebreaks,
LIVE BLOG
Can’t see the blog! Click here!