Cowboys 32
Roosters 14
SYDNEY - A fit-again Matt Bowen has inspired North Queensland to a shock 32-14 win over Sydney Roosters in Monday's NRL clash at Sydney Football Stadium.
The return of Willie Mason had dominated the build-up to the game, but it was the shock inclusion of Bowen for the first time since round 24 last year following career-saving knee surgery, that was the biggest talking point as the Cowboys ended a run of four successive defeats in style.
It took just 14 minutes for the diminutive former Queensland fullback to show what his side have been missing this season with an 80-metre sprint to the line after Roosters centre Shaun-Kenny-Dowall lost possession of the ball.
That try followed Michael Bani's opener after seven minutes to get the visitors off to the perfect start.
The Roosters were boosted by Braith Anasta passing a late fitness test on his injured ankle and coach Brian Smith also named bad boy hooker Jake Friend on the bench for the first time since his contract was torn up in December following a series of off-the-field incidents.
And it was Anasta who played the major role in his side's response when his booming kick was spilled by Bani, who struggled under the high ball all game, and Nick Kouparitsas scampered over the line to score.
Todd Carney's kick closed the gap to six points, and the young playmaker, who is looking for his first NSW State of Origin call-up, did his chances no harm with a breakaway try of his own in the 26th minute.
The return of Bowen gave the Cowboys greater cutting edge in attack, but he went from hero to villain when his risky pass to Ashley Graham was picked off by Carney who raced down the left touchline to score.
That try galvanised the hosts, but despite looking the more likely side to score, it was the Cowboys who went over again before the break in controversial circumstances.
John Williams scored the try after the video referee ruled Graham had not knocked the ball forward after Ben Jones hauled down Anthony Watts in front of the posts.
The Cowboys, who were also boosted by the return of hooker Aaron Payne after a five-week injury lay-off, were forced onto the back foot in opening exchanges of the second half, and failed to hold out a third successive set of six in front of their goal and Phil Graham scored.
However, the expected Roosters onslaught never materialised, and the Cowboys, with Bowen outstanding under several of Anasta's bombs, dominated the latter stages of the half with three unanswered tries.
Bani added his second in the 56th minute after a strong run from Willie Tonga, who went over himself nine minutes from time.
The impressive Watts added some late gloss to the score with a well-deserved try to ice the upset.
- AAP
