NRLQ 21s Match Report: Round 1 v Cowboys

The Dolphins have fallen just short in a gripping Round 1 NRLQ 21s clash, going down to the Cowboys in a hard-fought contest at Kayo Stadium on Thursday night.

Playing as the curtain raiser to the NRL fixture, the Dolphins came out firing and struck early to set the tone.

After earning a penalty in the 4th minute, the Dolphins wasted no time capitalising. Prop Elijah Rasmussen charged onto the ball just one metre out, before the hooker darted short side to find Brooklyn Sabine, who stepped off his right foot to crash over for the opening try. Callum Bowles added the extras for a 6-0 lead.

The momentum continued to build, with the Dolphins shifting the ball crisply in the 13th minute, ending in Sangstar Figota finishing off a slick three-pass movement down the line to extend the advantage.

The Cowboys responded in the 20th minute, but the Dolphins quickly hit back. In the 25th minute, sharp ball movement to the edge saw winger Kurt Jones dive over in the corner for the side’s third try.

Moments later, Figota produced a game-changing play, intercepting the ball on the Cowboys’ try line and sprinting to halfway. The Dolphins shifted the ball from left to right in the ensuing set, with Jones once again finishing on the edge to push the lead further.

The Cowboys managed to strike just before the break, closing the gap to 22-12 at halftime.

The second half saw the momentum swing, with the Cowboys opening strongly to score back-to-back tries. Despite missing a conversion, the scores were locked at 22-all, setting up a tense final 20 minutes.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Dolphins found another moment of brilliance. Forward Baylen Donald powered over in the corner to reclaim the lead, although the missed conversion left the margin at just four points.

The Dolphins fought hard to hold their advantage, but the Cowboys proved relentless, crossing in the 75th minute and converting to take the lead late.

Despite a determined effort, the Dolphins were unable to respond in the closing stages, with the Cowboys securing a narrow victory.

The Dolphins will now turn their attention to Round 2, as they look to claim their first win of the season this Saturday afternoon at Premiers’ Park in Brisbane against the Titans.