Cowboys coach Todd Payten expressed his disappointment following a disheartening 42-8 defeat against the Roosters, labelling his team as “bullied” throughout the match. Captain Tom Dearden echoed his sentiments, admitting he had a “horrible” performance.
Payten acknowledged the stark physicality of the game, stating, “It was men against boys,” indicating his concern over the team’s inability to compete effectively. The Roosters showcased an impressive array of talent, with standout performances from players like James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Billy Smith, Connor Watson, and Naufahu Whyte, who collectively scored eight tries while limiting the Cowboys to just two.
Nawaqanitawase, a former Wallabies winger, marked his presence with two tries, making it three doubles since joining the Roosters. Smith also contributed by scoring twice during the match, which included an explosive ten-minute period where four tries were scored, breaking the game wide open for the Roosters.
A remarkable try by Tedesco, dubbed “one of the tries of the year,” ignited the crowd as he capitalised on a well-placed kick from Sandon Smith, leading to a frantic scoring sequence shortly after kickoff. Unfortunately, Smith sustained a knee injury during the play and was forced off the field, joined by teammate Siua Wong, who also dealt with a knee issue.
The Cowboys’ woes began early when Roosters prop Lindsay Collins breached their defence to score the opening try within the first five minutes. Despite Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai returning from State of Origin II, key players Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson were rested. However, Payten dismissed the notion of injuries impacting the performance, asserting that other teams manage such situations effectively, making it “irrelevant” to their current struggles.
When interrogated about the match’s shortcomings, Payten highlighted errors in yardage that consistently hampered their defence. “We were putting too much pressure on ourselves again,” he said, referring to critical mistakes that arose early in the game. The team currently leads the competition in yardage errors, severely affecting their defensive capabilities and allowing opponents prime field position.
Dearden’s individual efforts yielded only five kicks for 173 metres, and he did not set up either of the Cowboys’ tries—one of which resulted from a pass he threw that was intercepted by Nawaqanitawase. Fullback Scott Drinkwater took on the majority of the kicking responsibilities with 248 metres from his seven attempts.
After the game, Dearden reflected on his performance, expressing disappointment despite feeling physically prepared after Origin. “I thought I was horrible tonight,” he admitted, illustrating the frustration shared within a Cowboys side that struggled to make an impact against a dominant Roosters outfit.