Post Match Warriors v Cowboys - [Round 9, 2025]

Warriors vs Cowboys
Warriors

Warriors

30 - 26
● LIVE
80:00

Suncorp Stadium

03 May 2025

Cowboys

Cowboys

Match Statistics

Warriors Cowboys
5 Tries 5
5 / 7 Conversions 3 / 5
0/0 Field Goals 0/0
0/0 2P Field Goals 0/0
3 Try Assists 5
Warriors Cowboys
44% Possession 56%
34/5 Complete/Incomplete Sets 30/11
44 Time in Opp Half 56
1265m Metres Gained 1548m
6 Line Breaks 6
3 Offloads 7
24/711m Kicks/Metres 22/467m
Warriors Cowboys
8 Errors 12
3 Penalties Conceded 5
3 Set Restarts 3
42 Missed Tackles 29

Player Statistics

Warriors Players
# Player T Pts TA LB TB Off Tkl MT IT Pos DH K KM M E P
1 C. Nicoll-Klokstad 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 3 1 27 2 1 3m 158m 1 0
2 T. Tuaupiki 0 0 0 1 2 1 11 5 0 14 0 0 0m 97m 2 0
3 R. Berry 0 0 0 0 2 0 11 1 0 4 0 0 0m 28m 0 0
5 A. Pompey 1 4 0 0 1 0 8 1 2 15 0 0 0m 108m 0 0
23 E. Kosi 1 4 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 17 0 0 0m 77m 0 0
6 C. Harris-Tavita 1 4 2 0 0 0 24 0 1 47 0 13 377m 13m 0 0
7 L. Metcalf 2 18 0 2 6 0 16 3 0 34 1 8 310m 131m 2 2
8 M. Niukore 0 0 0 0 1 0 23 3 1 10 0 0 0m 68m 0 0
9 W. Egan 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 5 0 99 2 0 0m 16m 0 0
10 M. Barnett 0 0 0 0 2 0 42 3 2 14 0 0 0m 107m 0 1
11 K. Capewell 0 0 1 1 2 0 28 10 1 8 0 0 0m 55m 0 0
12 L. Halasima 0 0 0 0 1 1 35 3 1 17 0 0 0m 129m 2 0
13 E. Clark 0 0 0 0 1 0 34 0 0 28 0 0 0m 152m 1 0
15 J. Ford 0 0 0 0 2 0 30 1 2 10 0 0 0m 59m 0 0
16 D. Vaimauga 0 0 0 0 3 0 20 2 0 8 0 0 0m 42m 0 0
17 B. Afoa 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 1 0 1 0 0 0m 10m 0 0
20 S. Healey 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 0 17 1 2 21m 15m 0 0
Cowboys Players
# Player T Pts TA LB TB Off Tkl MT IT Pos DH K KM M E P
1 S. Drinkwater 0 6 3 1 6 1 1 1 0 67 2 9 269m 119m 0 0
2 R. Derby 1 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 20 0 0 0m 159m 0 0
3 J. Purdue 1 4 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 19 1 1 5m 71m 0 0
4 V. Vailea 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 2 0 15 0 0 0m 90m 0 1
5 M. Taulagi 1 4 0 3 10 1 2 0 0 25 1 0 0m 209m 3 0
6 T. Dearden 1 4 0 1 6 0 19 2 2 66 0 4 60m 63m 2 1
7 J. Clifford 0 0 1 0 4 0 17 2 0 36 0 6 124m 90m 3 0
8 J. McLean 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 10 0 0 0m 60m 0 0
9 R. Robson 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 2 2 109 3 2 9m 36m 0 0
10 J. Taumalolo 0 0 0 0 1 1 13 4 0 19 0 0 0m 200m 0 0
11 J. Bateman 0 0 0 0 3 2 24 1 1 11 1 0 0m 66m 0 0
12 J. Nanai 1 4 1 1 5 0 27 5 0 10 0 0 0m 88m 1 0
13 R. Cotter 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 1 0 8 0 0 0m 42m 2 0
14 S. McIntyre 0 0 0 0 2 1 26 1 0 19 0 0 0m 82m 0 1
15 H. Edwards 0 0 0 0 1 0 9 0 0 12 0 0 0m 70m 0 1
16 G. Neame 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 4 0 5 0 0 0m 41m 1 0
17 C. Hess 0 0 0 0 1 0 21 1 0 7 0 0 0m 62m 0 1
All Posts

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Ever Hopeful said:
Who cares if we almost let it slip. We keep winning the close ones and we did it through adversity tonight.

Great experience for our young fellas. Troops are returning to bolster us. Great stuff!
Click to expand...
A lot better winning the close ones than losing them like we did last year. They started piling up last year.

Also performing in front of a big crowd is invaluable for a few of them.
 
My SkyGo crashed for the first 20 of the second half so I've no idea of the cause of the momentum shift but having Egan & Healey out there for a stint, albeit for only 7 or so minutes, was a dicey call. We're an average sized middle at the best of times so having two hookers out there at once is risky business. I was worried we'd see a bed shit reoccurrence of the Bulldogs game last year when Kikau bullied Lussick to help snatch the game.
That said, our best start to a season in our history and lots of positives!!
 
That second half where things kept going wrong is one that would have ended in a heartbreaking loss in years past.

This team does have something. They managed to stem the tide and start to get back into it and hold them off.

Tough work getting worked over with a new combination out there due to injury.
 
Wow what can I say except that you were BLOODY Awesome .But what impressed me was the fact that we’re getting praise about our team and their fans at the game from the commentary team ,except bloody KW .Equal 1st on the ladder .Hell I’ll take it even for just a few hours .👍🏻👏🏻😀❤️
 
The heartening thing about wins like this is they make the side stronger - there was a lot of adversity in that second half, one might say that we were playing against an additional player or two with some of those calls ... one might, but I won't - up the fucking wahs
 
Cces said:
My SkyGo crashed for the first 20 of the second half so I've no idea of the cause of the momentum shift but having Egan & Healey out there for a stint, albeit for only 7 or so minutes, was a dicey call. We're an average sized middle at the best of times so having two hookers out there at once is risky business. I was worried we'd see a bed shit reoccurrence of the Bulldogs game last year when Kikau bullied Lussick to help snatch the game.
That said, our best start to a season in our history and lots of positives!!
Click to expand...

Healey came on when our forwards were stuffed and nothing was working, not sure if Egan was on the field at the end

It was Webby throwing the kitchen sink to see what sticks

Healey made a few important tackles at the end
 
sydneywarrior92 said:
I'm sure most in this forum thought Kosi would have been the issue on edge defense. Turns out the issue was TT (admittedly he was injured and was admirable out there).IMO, we would have gone on to win 13+ if it hadn't been for the Berry injury screwing up our edge. We just didn't do well enough in adjusting there but we'll learn from that.

If TT and Berry are both out, I'm hoping DWZ and RTS are ready for next week. Fish back would also be mad.
Click to expand...
Kosi’s criticism isn’t warranted with his performances this year. That was great awareness to hold onto the ball with a steamrolling Hess wanting to take the middle out after a kickoff
 
Noitall said:
Kosi’s criticism isn’t warranted with his performances this year. That was great awareness to hold onto the ball with a steamrolling Hess wanting to take the middle out after a kickoff
Click to expand...
yeah, he is similar to Ford. Ford gets a lot of shit on this forum for making a couple of bad errors at bad times in the game and it has blackened his name. But he is really a battler who puts his heart/soul into the jersey. Same as Kosi. He had one bad game in 2022 against Melbourne and it's blackened his name forever on this forum. He's really put in this year and even in the 2023 year when he filled in for DWZ.
 
marv. said:
man. erin clarke is amazing.
buy of the season, no doubt!
lukey met on a hot streak too.
looking nice at 7!
taine is a tricky one once the big wingers are back.

also, just quietly,
not missing JFH at all!
can’t wait to see what he adds once he’s back.


still keen to find out more about cooper cronks achingly wet mouth pre game too.
💦💦💦


roll on finals man.
what a time to be alive.
Click to expand...
Haha Cronk was sweating like Prince Andrew for some reason. Shaun must have some major dirt on the whole Fox panel, they're turning it into the Shaun Johnson Show. No wonder he looks so happy, he's got a job for life if he keeps schtum.
 
No mention yet for Marata Niukore. I thought he had a great game in the middle and his best game for us in a long time. Took a few casualties along the way too.
Fully agree with the other special mentions: Clarke, Kosi, Metcalf CHT etc

But a fantastic team performance both halves, that could well be season defining.
 
Adam Gee should be sacked for refusing our challenge on the 7 tackle restart. Guarantee it won’t get any mention. If I’m wrong and you can’t challenge, apologies, but your still a dick Adam Gee!

Leka impressed me tonight, no flashy plays, just a grind and some great defence. Met, Egan, Clark and Niukore our best. Hopefully we get some troops back next week. Sam Healey, more than decent debut.
 
30-26 with 15mins to go…. momentum 100% with the cows after 3 tries - two from fukey kicks….

For the team to hold for 15mins after wave after wave of attack…… that second half frantic defence by the warriors was EPIC… no idea how we didn’t choke

CNK losing the ball on the first and Leka dropping to give the cows a repeat set, Metcalf not making 10m from the in-goal…. Boys made it harder than it needed to be…

Healey coming on as fresh legs was just what the doctor ordered. Dummy half runs to relieve pressure, critical tackles up the middle, that catch and kick which nearly scored us a try.. so many good moments in the last 15’mins…

And Hats off to Metcalf for that corner try saver on Taulangi

So many good movements to discuss knowing we WON 😂
 
Fox sports loving SJ. Great hype and energy, emotions to match the roller coaster.

And that game had all the thrills of a classic warriors game. Dominant first half followed by a dodgy call against the warriors when they got a 7 tackle set and then 3 tries in quick succession. A desperate tackle in the corner from the halfback and then 15 minutes of desperation. We looked gone for all money, but they just lifted when they needed. Halasima tackle on their 6 at the end - incredible.

A game to build a season on. Feel sorry for Berry, next man up. Great debut from Healy and Marata s defence at the end outstanding. Erin Clark never stopped as did Barnett and CNK. These boys have heart and grit. In the trenches and over the top. Mana proud.
 
I'm usually against bagging the ref, and admittedly it was only one call.

But how Gee and the touchie missed the in goal call. The whole 13 were yelling and waving their arms for a challenge. Him letting them tap and then in the refs mic saying "It's too late to challenge".

Momentum completely flipped with that call when we were in control. Then compounded with the Berry injury, with Marata and Capewell shuffle to that edge who started getting worked. Yes you have to be able to manage that, but the Cows aren't a shit team and are deadly when they get a bit of momentum especially in the current six again era and lack of wrestle..

Absolutely stoked the boys managed to come together and make some adjustments on that edge to grind out a win. Would have been miffed if we lost because of that momentum swing.
 
Just a quick 10 thoughts i got from this match:

1. That first 10 minutes is something to be proud of. We defended our line really well and let nothing through. I always rate our defensive moments higher than our attacking ones, and the Cowboys really went searching in that first 10 but couldn’t find a crack in us.

2. Metcalf’s best game yet — I’d say he was MOTM. Not just for the amazing tries (I especially liked the Kosi one, where he hid behind the dummy half and then sprinted out to put Drinkwater behind), but also for his huge defensive effort. He never let up.

3. Two tries I think don’t happen if Rocco isn’t injured: the rainbow pass over TT and Capes, and the simple grubber where TT jumps to catch it and is tackled mid-air. Both seemed to happen when the centre and wing just weren’t connecting. I don’t think it’s either player’s fault — if they’d had even one week training together, it probably wouldn’t happen. But a mid-game shift will do that, and the Cowboys are one of the best attacking teams for a reason.

4. I don’t think Barney gets enough credit as captain. Our boys didn’t look panicked. They looked exhausted and barely standing, but not disheartened. He was always rallying the squad, and once Luke got that try-saver, Barney really lifted them. We then managed to defend our try line for another 10–14 minutes. That is incredibly hard to do. Maybe JFH could do it too, but honestly, without more time with the squad, only Barney has that kind of leadership weight.

5. We had to shift around four players when a centre went down, and that clearly disrupted the team. Not sure if it’s worth fixing, since it costs depth on the bench. Marata -> R2R, Leka -> L2R, Capes -> right centre, Healey subbed on to lock for 7 minutes.

6. I thought Marata killed it at prop this game. The stats won’t reflect it because he had to switch positions, but he was strong defensively and a damaging ball runner. Every team needs at least one giant prop, and he looks like ours.

7. Clark and Egan had their typical rock-solid game. They became sinkholes on attack, giving space to our halves, and were constantly setting the defensive line and applying pressure. That did drop off as the game went on — defending for most of the second half drains any energy you have.

8. Rocco and Pompey had great games. Good defense on their edge before the shuffle. I don’t blame the first try on Rocco — it was a 2 vs 1. No idea how the Cowboys managed to find a 4 vs 2 on that edge.

9. CHT did his usual good work defensively and set up a try or two with his short kicking game. He complements Metcalf well and makes our attack look much more unpredictable.

10. It's wild that we won that game via penalty points considering the last couple of games... 5 from 7 isn't too bad. Hope it gets better.

Edit:
11. Only noticed this because some people were saying webby should of subbed on bunty if the props were gassed. It was pretty bullsy to sub on Healey as a lock instead of subbing on bunty. I think it was the right move, but we did use all 8 interchanges. So it looks like more mins for Healey and recovery time for Demetric to go in again over more mins for Bunty at the moment.
 
Last edited:
That game of all games defined our identity. Barnett said as much in the post game. We have discovered what Warrior really is and who you need to be to wear the badge.

I said before the game defence wins championships. Sure our first half attack was the best I’ve seen in 2 years - but our defence, our grit, our hunger and our never give up attitude won us that game. This team IS special.

The Cows will be in the mix in the playoffs - they are a bloody good team. That was worthy of a prelim that game. Fast furious ferocious. Our team worked their asses off and defended like men possessed. Remember this is a full strength cows team. We not only had theee big outs but we had several wounded in game. Luke’s tackle will get all the plaudits. But Capewell almost pulled off another in the corner and he’s playing the best footie of his career.
We are now seeing the value of Capewah.

Many teams would have folded under that onslaught by the Cows. They had all the luck, several good calls and they played at playoff intensity. How we wrestled back some control with 17 minutes to go after those three tries was immense.

Well played Webby and coaching staff. They rolled the dice and got an 11 with Healy.

Almost all our players had good games. TT needs to flush the dunny in his second half performance - he just got smoked and his size doesn’t help. He’s a 6 really. Not a winger. Great cover but I’m looking forward to having DWZ And RTS back on deck.

Same for Bunty. Great servant but can’t wait to see JFH back on deck.

Overall I’m delighted to win that game.
In the context of our season, it rights the wrongs of Vegas on the big stage. It is an early taste of what it takes to win in big games and finals pressure. That second half performance and the adversity we handled will be one of our best teachers. Coupled with Broncos Tigers and Cows we are now winning the close games.

Team, we are a real shout this year. That premiership window is starting to crack open.

Assuming we get a few troops back next week, Dragons, Dolphins and Bunnies are there for the taking before we get to avenge the Raiders at home.

Dare to dream. This team is going places.
 
Mostly all said - second half concerning, but with the caveat of rocco going, who was looking quite good, and you have to feel for him for sure. TT had a difficult game and there's better cover on paper, but lots to learn for him if he wants it. Also not sure about CNK, but that was a wet game.

Not to mention Andrew Gee turned the game all by himself with that clanger of the cowboy catching the ball with his foot in the air. It really is the ref, not the long suffering wahs fans, but hey.

Capewell, another fine performance and he's been playing exceptionally well this year. You can definitely see a different pack and shape emerging, and it's starting to look bloody good. Shout out to Marata, that was a great performance from him too, and he looks far more suited to prop imo.

Again, we're performing like a great team and someone commented on MB's calmness and organisational skills as captain - couldn't agree more.

Metcalf came into his own last night, and there's a fine combination between him and CHT developing.

Good signs.
 
Have to say, the Cowboys are a great attacking team and some of their tries were fantastic.

The first one where Drink water is hidden, before popping Nanai through a gap was fantastic. The Clifford chip to Derby was also a great try. Drinkwater was dangerous all night and looked like he was going to bring them home.

Even though we conceded 24 points, I think our defence was great, and we just kept turning up
 
Having rewatched the second half, I really didn't appreciate how much damage the Berry injury made not only to our edge defense but also our forward rotation. Shifting Capes to the centers, at one pt both Egan and Healey were both on the field at the same time. So Healey must have been playing in the middle, which just shows how much strife we were in at that pt. Truly epic performance to hold out quite possibly the best attack in the comp.

Also, Capes was massive. Really picked up in form in the last 2 weeks. Really aggressive in defense and on attack ran some amazing lines for the first try. Everyone in the pack is lifting in the absence of JFH.
 
In the second half i had Taine & Capewah on my side of ther field. I could hear Capewah organising the defense, Telling Taine to stay and calling Marata to slide. Marata would hold, Then slide as quick as he could (Which was slow lol) Taine didn't hold, He shot out everytime to try cut the ball off. Capewah would then try to cover. And eventually Marata hauled his big over to make a good cover tackle.

What got me is how slow Charnze was when these set plays towards Capewah & Taine were being made. Either , He was on the other side of the feild or casually making his way over to cover.
I noticed our young bull Leka got shifted over capes & taines side the last quarter of the game? That's how much faith the coaches have in Leka's ability at such a young age to try and shore up the defense on that side.
That kid is something special. Every other nrl fan forum i go on they all ask if they can poach him!? Lol.

Mets Has arrived. I have doubted that kid. No more! Incredible on attack & defense. Please let someone else take the goal kicks tho.
 
Great game between 2 excellent teams. The skill level was off the chart considering the cobditions.

I have to say some posters are pissing me off. Ed Kosi is limited, he is 4th or 5th string but when he plays he gives his all and has been effective. I say support the team whoever is playing abd give credit where it is due.

Somebody said Berrys hamstring is a bkessing in disguise. Fuck you, how can you be happy with a player being injured. Particularly one of our players. He was goung OK and him injured stressed the right edge defence.

Celebrate the team, no matter the personnel.
 
Get them onside ref! said:
I don’t understand Wahs recruitment of Aussie youth
Healey Hanson Boeing Cleary etc
If they wanted to develop their games
They could have done that in their own countr
In their reserve grades
It’s highly possible these young uns will go back to Oz
Go figure🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️
Click to expand...


So here is what is is about, and it is a Cappy thing.

Up until now star juniors like Leka etc play with clunky Kiwi spines coming through the grades.

I believe Cappy has identified that problem for what it is, a roadblock to the entire development system, forget the spine, the insistence of narrowing our pool to Kiwi halves, kiwi hookers is not an advantage, it is an impediment.

By restricting ourselves to local juniors in the halves we are by default restricting ourselves to the smallest and weakest talent pool in the competition.

If the other sixteen teams are shopping from sixteen talent pools while the Warriors only use locals, the status quo will continue in terms of results for the next thirty years.

But most of all it is about bringing in ball players that can give Leka types a platform to develop their skills, their confidence, their timing, their awareness of how and when to play off the hip of an Australian trained half back.

Up until now Warriors junior stars will often go elsewhere, after they fail to reach their potential, then perform brilliantly for another club, perhaps if we are lucky we get to buy them back at a high price.

By having top Aussie Juniors running the attack at the Warriors, these local kids do not have to go on these sabbaticals to show they are better than when the Warriors let them go.

We can really find out who is good if we use them properly.....

Call me crazy.....but í think McFadden is a genius.

I think McFadden has fast tracked our Juniors so that the day they get their NRL debut, the game plan being coached by Webster is the same one they have come from.
 
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Team Ave Team Average
Luke Metcalf
9.0
Luke Metcalf
Highest Best Performance
Bunty Afoa
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TEAM LIST
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 1
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Fullback
7.0 (2)
Taine Tuaupiki 2
Taine Tuaupiki
Right Wing
6.0 (2)
Rocco Berry 3
Rocco Berry
Right Centre
6.0 (2)
Adam Pompey 5
Adam Pompey 1T
Left Centre
7.0 (2)
Edward Kosi 23
Edward Kosi 1T
Left Wing
7.0 (2)
Chanel Harris-Tavita 6
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Five-Eighth
8.5 (2)
Luke Metcalf 7
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9.0 (2)
Marata Niukore 8
Marata Niukore
Right Prop
6.5 (2)
Wayde Egan 9
Wayde Egan
Hooker
6.5 (2)
Mitchell Barnett 10
Mitchell Barnett
Left Prop Captain
8.0 (2)
Kurt Capewell 11
Kurt Capewell
Right Second Row
6.0 (2)
Leka Halasima 12
Leka Halasima
Left Second Row
7.0 (2)
Erin Clark 13
Erin Clark
Lock
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Jackson Ford 15
Jackson Ford
Interchange
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Demitric Vaimauga 16
Demitric Vaimauga
Interchange
6.0 (2)
Bunty Afoa 17
Bunty Afoa
Interchange
5.5 (2)
Sam Healey 20
Sam Healey
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8.0 (1)
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Te Maire Martin
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