Round 6
Knights 16 l. Cowboys 18

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Newcastle Knights
Matthew Gidley [CT] 4 Pts; 1t
George Carmont [CT] 4 Pts; 1t
Andrew Johns [HB] 4 Pts; 2/3g
Danny Buderus [BE] 4 Pts; 1t

North Queensland Cowboys
Johnathan Thurston [HB] 10 Pts; 1t, 3/3g
Matt Bowen [FB] 4 Pts; 1t
Mitchell Sargent [BE] 4 Pts; 1t



Bowen the difference in battle of the big guns
Sun April 16, 2006
Newcastle and North Queensland played the most epic match of this season with the difference between the two sides ultimately being Matthew Bowen with inform halfbacks Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston cancelling each other out.

The rise of the Cowboys in the last two years was evident with the match being declared an all-ticket sell-out during the week leading up to the clash with the battle between Johns and Thurston dominating the headlines. Johns is a certainty to be Australian halfback barring injury for the May 5 Test match against New Zealand whilst Thurston's position is in doubt with Darren Lockyer the incumbent Test five-eighth whilst there's a push for Trent Barrett and even Braith Anasta to be in the side.

It was a classic throwback match to the gems of the 1980's as both sides looked for every quarter in gaining control of such a heavywright title clash as both sides looked to exploit the little things in each other. Newcastle aimed much of their attack at Thurston to tire him out in defence and North Queensland played a forwards battle in their attempt to wear down the Knights.

Matthew Gidley opened the scoring in the 10th minute when he scored outwide with Johns creating the numbers for Gidley to crossover. Johns failed to convert with Newcastle leading 4-0.

Despite the Knights leading, North Queensland continued to stick to their game plan and continued to plug away at the Knights forwards with the break they needed not happening until 36th minute. Mitchell Sargent charged onto a great inside pass to score under the posts with Thurston conveting for the Cowboys to lead 6-4.

Newcastle got possession near the Cowboys line nearing halftime and a great offload by Matthew Gidley floating down the left side of the field found his centre partner George Carmont unmarked to simply dive over for an easy try. Johns landed a great sideline goal as the Knights led 10-6 at the break.

Danny Buderus got Newcastle off to a great start when he scored a strong try and Johns landed the goal to push the Knights clear at 16-6.

North Queensland's tactic however of playing the game at the Newcastle forwards started to pay dividends as they wore down the Knights pack and with Johns playing with an injured ankle, the Cowboys were sensing a break soon in play. The opportunity came into the 62nd minute when Thurston charged onto a Bowen pass to score next to the posts. Thurston converted his own try as the Cowboys were within four points.

With the game in the balance it took a piece of freakish brilliance from one of the NRL's other genuine superstars who seemed to slip under the radar of the Johns vs Thurston hype. Bowen who won Queensland a State of Origin match last year with an intercept try this time produced a brilliant chip and chase for himself to score under the posts with five minutes remaining. It was a piece of instinctive brilliance by Bowen and something that defined Bowen as one of the finest footballers in the game today that can't be coached into players. Bowen's magic will ensure the crowds will flock to see the Cowboys wherever they travel and it brought back memories to Brett Mullins try for Canberra against Brisbane in 1995 in a big Friday night match and of course the many times Steve Mortimer succeeded with the chip and chase.

Bowen however gave the Cowboys a scare in the final moments when his pass was intercepted by Clint Newton but when giving chase punched out the ball and regathered possession as North Queensland scored a fine win.

Comments were made after the match that if Newcastle couldn't beat North Queensland on their home soil, how can they beat them come Finals time but there's still plenty of football to be played before now and then.

All the hype about this match lived up to every expectation and it was an absolute cracker as both sides schemed and plotted waiting for the opportunity. In the end it took a piece of absolute sheer brilliance from a player who should be found a position in the Test side. Thurston is too good to leave out and Bowen is also too good to leave out.

Newcastle might have lost the clash but they would have gained plenty of positives for where they are at this season. North Queensland continue their unbeaten start and are now four points clear at the top of the table. Both sides provided the spark this round needed with the Roosters vs Broncos and Raiders vs Warriors games two of the worst anyone can be subjected to watching.

The people of Newcastle should be proud they saw such an epic battle between the two most passionate and supported Rugby League regional towns in Australia. Both the Hunter and Northern Queensland loved their Rugby League like no other regions and the two sides produced a game that sets Rugby League above other sports in Australia. Bowen, Thurston and of course Johns are worth the price of admission on their own. The clash brought back memories of when a developing and rising Knights side in 1992 captained by Michael Hagan pushed the star-studded Brisbane Broncos outfit all the way in one of the most torrid club battles of all-time. Newcastle lost by four in that clash but lost no admirers and today they lost by two and it took a piece of brilliance by a special entertainer to deny them the points.

Special praise to rookie referee Tony Des Las Heras who was forced to take control of the match after Paul Simpkins came off with a calf injury in the 28th minute. Des Las Heras controlled the Jersey Flegg game earlier in the day and wasn't overawed by the occasion or the pharocial Knights crowd as he kept his cool and gave the decisions at the correct times with firm but fair control. Simpkins is expected to miss a few weeks.

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