Cowboys Crush Storm in Pre-Season Challenge: Key Takeaways and Future Trends
The 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season is off to a thrilling start, with North Queensland Cowboys flexing their attacking muscles in a 36-24 win over the Melbourne Storm at Casey Fields. This match marked the final pre-season challenge and saw the Cowboys dominate with a series of impressive plays and strategic moves.
Match Highlights
Cowboys Strike First
The match began with a thrilling dummy from Scott Drinkwater, leaving Storm centre Jack Howarth searching for his man as Drinkwater strutted over to score the first try. The Cowboys’ early lead set the tone for an exciting night of rugby.
The Storm responded with a spectacular set piece, featuring Cameron Munster and Nick Meaney, which culminated in a try that sliced through the Cowboys’ defence. However, the victory went northwards when Hugo Holmqvist brought Chaina.
Player Performances
Young Stars and Veteran Rivals
Tom Duffy shined in his audition for the No. 7 jersey, stepping up in the absence of the injured Jake Clifford. Duffy’s performance was crucial, delivering classy touches and helping set up crucial tries.
John Bateman looked ready to make the most of his fresh start at the Cowboys. After struggling at the Tigers, Bateman provided the energy and aggression needed on the right edge, proving to be a key signing.
Injuries and Squad Changes
There were significant injury concerns for both teams, with Melbourne facing potential setbacks for Ryan Papenhuyzen and Hugo Peel.
Valentine Holmes’ absence was felt, but Jaxon Purdue stepped up impressively, proving to be a valuable addition as a left centre with a try, three line-breaks, and a couple of try assists.
What We Learned
Player Combinations
Tom Duffy and Scott Drinkwater formed a formidable partnership, showcasing classy playmaking with Duffy throwing slick passes and Drinkwater bagging two crucial tries. The combination of youth and experience was a standout feature, particularly with Duffy kick and Dearden’s impressive runs.
This trend could signal a renewed focus on building strong halves partnerships in the NRL, where young talent is nurtured alongside experienced players to create dynamic and unpredictable game plays.
| Player | Position | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Drinkwater | Fullback | 2 Tries, Slick Passes |
| Tom Duffy | Halfback | Classy Touches, 3 Goals |
| John Bateman | Wing | Energy, Aggression, Spark two tries |
| Jaxon Purdue | Centre | Try, 3 Line-Breaks, 2 Try Assists |
| Jeremiah Nanai | Centre | Final Pass to Drinkwater’s second try |
Recruit Watch
John Bateman has shown clear potential as a key player for the Cowboys, especially given their injuries to Heilum Luki and the transfer Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. While Stefano Utoikamanu had a late try, after a postive pre-season showing he looks ready to take his career to new heights with the Storm.
Rookie Watch
Jaxon Purdue has emerged as a strong contender to fill Valentine Holmes’s shoes. His performance against the Storm was impressive, showcasing speed, skill, and the ability to make decisive plays.
Future Trends in NRL
Dynamic Pairings
The success of halves combinations, such as Drinkwater and Duffy, hints at a trend of strategic pairings that balance youthful dynamism with veteran experience. Expect more teams to focus on building such combinations, fostering versatile and adaptable gameplay.
Rookie Development
The emergence of players like Jaxon Purdue underscores the importance of developing rookies who can step up in critical moments. This trend highlights the value of nurturing young talent from within, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled players who can seamlessly integrate into the team.
Injury Management
With significant injuries to key players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Hugo Peel, injury management and player conditioning have become pivotal. Teams are increasingly focusing on preventative measures and rapid recovery protocols to keep their star players on the field.
Versatility and Aggression
The Cowboys’ gameplay highlighted the importance of versatility and aggression, with players like John Bateman adding energy to their attacks. This trend is set to continue, with teams emphasizing player position flexibility and dynamic attack strategies.
Did you know? Skills like defensive positioning and dummy runs made by Drinkwater help break up regular games. These involve proper anticipation and spacing from teammates.
FAQ
What was the final score of the pre-season challenge?
The North Queensland Cowboys won 36-24 against the Melbourne Storm.
Which player stood out for the Cowboys?
Both Tom Duffy and Scott Drinkwater stood out, with Drinkwater scoring two tries and Duffy handling his audition impressively, contributing classy passes and 3 goals.
Who is the potential replacement for Valentine Holmes?
Jaxon Purdue, the Cowboys’ centre, showcased his talent and dominance with a try, three line-breaks, and two try assists, positioning himself as a potential long-term replacement.
Upcoming Matches
The NRL Telstra Premiership season is about to kick off in full swing, with the opening double-header in Las Vegas. Watch all the action live on Kayo, with exciting matchups and world-class talent set to light up the field.
Join the discussion and share your thoughts. Who do you think will be the standout performers this season? Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights and updates on the world of rugby league.