NRL: Cowboys show defensive frailties against 12-man Tigers

The North Queensland Cowboys came up with a predictable win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday evening, but Todd Payten was left deeply disappointed with his side’s defensive performance.

Tigers centre Justin Olam was sent off for a high tackle in the 49th minute, handing the visitors a one-man advantage.

North Queensland scored the next two tries before the Tigers came up with a remarkable response, running in two of their own in the space of three minutes.

The Cowboys managed to survive the scare and bag all points, getting home 48-30.

Payten not satisfied despite win

“After the send-off, we scored a couple of quick tries and then we went to sleep,” Payten said in the post-match press conference.

“A little disappointed with some periods there when they were down to 12 men, but I’m just happy we came down to a tough place to play for us traditionally and got the points.

“Mixed feelings, to be fair… Some frustrating moments definitely.”

The Cowboys will see this as a missed opportunity to boost their points differential against a struggling side that had to play a significant portion of the game with a man down.

Their backline was at fault as Solomon Alaimalo faced minimal resistance to cross the line before Solomona Faataape breezed past Valentine Holmes to make the score 38-24.

Scott Drinkwater scored to settle the nerves, but Samuela Fainu kept the Tigers’ resurgence alive with his second try of the night.

Kyle Feldt, however, put the final nail in Tigers’ coffin with a brilliant 50-metre sprint to cross the line.

Top-four hopes dimming for Cowboys

The Cowboys are now fifth on the NRL table with 28 points to their name, same as the fourth-placed Cronulla Sharks.

Craig Fitzgibbon’s men, however, have two matches in hand, so finishing above them will be a difficult ask for North Queensland.

Rugby league bookmakers are offering $4 odds for the Cowboys to finish top four.

The Sharks, on the other hand, are paying $1.80 to secure a double chance in the finals.

The Cowboys are also facing competition from the Sea Eagles ($4) and Bulldogs ($5), while the third-placed Roosters are heavily favoured at $1.06 for a top-four finish.

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