The North Queensland Cowboys ‘too nice’ in loss to rampant Roosters

Abraham Smith

North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has called his side “too nice” after a heartbreaking week for the club ended with a 32-18 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

“We were probably too nice at many moments. And we played against a hungry team that knows how to win and when they have their foot to their throat they don’t take it off,” Payten said in his post-game press conference.

The Roosters continued their recent habit of blowing teams away early with their physical intensity before scoring points on the scoreboard.

Brisbane gave way under pressure in the final round while the Cowboys were defeated within four minutes when Victor Radley floated a ball over the top to the impressive Joseph Suaalii to open proceedings.

Radley was involved in everything, with his link play through the middle causing the Cowboys problems again when the lock’s camouflaged short ball brought Matt Lodge down to extend their lead.

Lodge and his front row partner Jared Waerea-Hargreaves were exceptional throughout, collecting the yards and laying the platform for the Chooks to dominate the competition.

“I thought we were a little hesitant to start the game even with the way we carried the ball in our first set,” Payten said.

“Then they just had a field position and we defended our try line.

“I’m disappointed. I thought we came to the fight but we didn’t fight long enough or hard enough.

“The weight of possession went against us in the first half. Eventually it was 70-30.”

Despite being deprived of both ball and field position, the Cowboys were able to hit back when super-sub Luciano Leilua lifted his team after coming off the bench.

The mid-season recruit from the Wests Tigers produces a clever tip to send Murray Taulagi over.

However, the Roosters responded with Daniel Tupou and Sam Verrills scoring four points.

The No.9 Tricolors sprinted out of a scrum and benefited from the place left behind as Griffin Neame was held by Lodge. The contact was cleared by the bunker but left Payten with a sour taste in his mouth.

“I thought it was the wrong decision,” said the coach.

“There were a few decisions I didn’t agree with. peta [Hiku] was penalized when Tupou went over the sidelines… I think Chaddy [Townsend] was punished for receiving an open handshake in the face.

“Nevertheless, we didn’t lose the game because of that.

“In the end we were only beaten in the ruck.

“I thought we slapped the face a couple of times and just looked for our teammate to do something rather than coming together as a team.

“Four weeks before the finals we got a lesson in finals football. We have to get better.”

Cowboys captain Jason Taumalolo cut a dejected figure throughout the press and was asked about the tragic death of Paul Green during the week, which rocked the club where the manager won a Premier League in 2015.

“No real words to express what has happened in the last few days,” Taumalolo said.

“What happened has really shocked and devastated most of us, and it will take time to get over it.”

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