The Toyota Forklifts Canberra Raiders have suffered a 30-20 defeat to the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
The Raiders put up a valiant effort in the sauna of North Queensland, but a Cowboys team chasing their first win of the season proved too strong.
A breakaway from Jaxon Purdue threatened to put North Queensland over the line early on, but a critical tackle from fullback Kaeo Weekes took the Cowboy into touch, saving a certain try.
In the 12th minute, returning Captain Joe Tapine crossed the line to open the scoring for Canberra. Jamal Fogarty converted and the Raiders led 6-0.
In the 15th minute, the Cowboys wasted another scoring opportunity, as Raiders second-rower Hudson Young knocked the ball from Scott Drinkwater’s grasp on the line.
In the 23rd minute, Cowboys second rower John Bateman interfered with Raiders second rower Matty Nicholson during a kick chase, awarding Canberra a shot on goal. Fogarty's conversion extended the lead to 8.
Looking dangerous on the left edge, Cowboys winger Murray Taulugi found the line after some quick hands from Drinkwater to score the Cowboys first.
30 minutes in Jake Clifford took advantage of some gaps on the Raiders’ line to score with Drinkwater's conversion making it 10-8 to the home team.
Clifford secured a double after intercepting Tom Dearden’s high ball from Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes. Drinkwater's conversion extended the lead to 16-8, and it remained that score line at the half time break.
Rookie Cowboys winger Robert Derby scored his first NRL try in the right corner after a freak grubber bounced off Weekes into Jake Clifford, who flicked it to Derby. Drinkwater’s kick made it 22-8 to the Cowboys.
Not losing their cool in the heat, Xavier Savage took a Jamal Fogarty’s high kick, beating Drinkwater in the aerial contest to score Canberra’s first try of the half and the Raiders were back in the game at 22-12.
Cowboys prop Coen Hess took a breather in the sin bin after multiple offside violations which gave the Raiders more possession and more opportunity.
After setting up shop in the Cowboys’ ten it was Savelio Tamale who crossed the line for his second career try. Fogarty had no troubles with the kick, and the Raiders were back in it at 22-8.
But two late tries to the Cowboys snuffed out the comeback and the Raiders finished behind by 30-20 on the scoreboard.
They will regroup and return home for their round five match on Thursday night against the Sharks at GIO Stadium Canberra.
