Cowboys coach Todd Payten has bristled at a question over his side’s attack after they let an 18-0 lead slip and went scoreless in the second half to settle for a one point win over the Raiders.
Payten reminded a journalist of his side’s hot start when asked about how he plans to turn the Cowboys’ sustained pressure into more points after the 19-18 win in Townsville.
“Ah it was 18-6 after a fair bit of pressure and it was 18-0, so um do you want it to be 40?” Payten bristled.
‘You want it to be 40-0?’: Payten bristles at doubts over Cowboys’ attack as he backs HIA system
Resilient Raiders fall agonisingly short against Cowboys
Todd Payten has described his side’s performance as “Jekyll and Hyde” after Chad Townsend kicked a field goal five minutes from time to edge North Queensland past Canberra 19-18 in a see-sawing NRL round-one contest in Townsville.
The Cowboys dominated the first half but watched their 18-0 lead evaporate in the wake of three unanswered tries from the Raiders before Townsend kicked them home.
“Bit of a Jekyll and Hyde performance,” coach Payten said.
Controversial Cliffhanger in Townsville a Cause for Optimism
The Canberra Raiders and North Queensland Cowboys put on an epic show in Townsville on Saturday night, with the Cowboys coming out on top in a 19-18 thriller.
The Cowboys were in control early, scoring the first try of the match and leading 18-6 at the break. The momentum would continue to swing the visitor's way after half time, as the Raiders staged a big comeback in the second half.
The finish was controversial, with Jason Taumalolo seemingly obstructing Elliot Whitehead as he attempted to stop what would be the winning field goal.
The heat in Townsville was also a factor, with both teams struggling in the humid conditions.
The Cowboys held on for the win, but the Raiders will be pleased with the result, especially given the controversial nature of the finish. It was a thrilling game of rugby league to kick start 2023 for both clubs.
Meanwhile, Jordan Rapana faces a nervous wait after he made strong contact to the upper body of a Cowboy in the first half.
