NRL
Cowboys 46
Rabbitohs 12
Jonathan Thurston and Luke O'Donnell backed up from State of Origin duty to mastermind the Cowboys' comprehensive win over the Rabbitohs in Townsville last night.
The Dairy Farmers Stadium faithful had plenty to cheer as the Cowboys scored nine tries to two in a
commanding performance.
Thurston orchestrated the Cowboys attacks and O'Donnell was powerful on attack and defence as the Rabbitohs suffered an embarrassing loss.
The Cowboys made the early running, winger John Williams scoring in the corner after five minutes when he collected a long pass from Thurston on the bounce.
They were over again seven minutes later, Ashley Graham scoring after quick hands by the backs with Matt Bowen flicking on the final pass.
It became 16-0 before the end of the first quarter, Aaron Payne propping through a gap from dummy half after the Cowboys were awarded a penalty.
Beau Champion scored the Rabbitohs' first try but the Cowboys extended their lead to 22-6 when Scott Bolton burst on to a short ball.
The Cowboys struck first in the second spell, Graham scoring his second after Williams offloaded brilliantly in the tackle. There was more agony for the Rabbitohs a few minutes later when fullback Matt Bowen evaded two tackles to score an outstanding try.
The Cowboys scored their seventh try midway through the half, left wing Ty Williams gathering his own well-weighted left-foot chip.
John Williams scored his second try 10 minutes later, diving over in the right corner from a well-executed overlap.
Wing scored a late consolation try for the Rabbitohs but there was no celebration. It had been too harrowing a night.
Cowboys 46 (J. Williams 2, A. Graham 2, A. Payne, S. Bolton, M. Bowen, T. Williams, M. Scott tries, J. Thurston 5 cons) Rabbitohs 12 ( B. Champion, C. Wing tries, C. Sandow 2 cons ). Halftime: 22-6.
