Debutant fills void as Cowboys lose game and side’s star fullback

AN ankle concern for Valentine Holmes has added insult to injury for the North Queensland Cowboys in their 37-26 loss to the New Zealand Warriors.

The star fullback showed early signs his dynamic running game was on the rise, weaving through multiple defenders in the early exchanges. But the tackle that brought him down eventuated in the end of his night.

Try as he might to shake off the complaint, even crossing for the Cowboys opening points, he finally conceded – limping from the field in the 26th minute.

However a Cowboys young gun proved he could be capable of filling the No. 1 void.

Hamiso Tabuai-fidow’s NRL debut was met with excitement after his exhilarating exploits at the Perth Nines.

But while the pre-season showcase flaunted his searing speed, his move from the wing to fullback to accommodate for the loss of Holmes culminated in a pair of try assists and some crucial cover defence.

The 18-year-old nearly helped himself to a maiden four pointer when he sliced through at close range, only for an obstruction call from the video referee to deny him a milestone moment.

However, as the Warriors gained the ascendancy in the second half, the debutant was unable to exhibit his much vaunted running game.

As the game wore on, fatigue became the Cowboys’ greatest inhibitor. Ultimately it was Warriors pivot Kodi Nikorima who made the difference for the Kiwi outfit.

From start to finish the former Brisbane Bronco was on the mark – a pinpoint chip behind the line nine minutes in opened proceedings through Patrick Herbert.

A quick thinking tap put Adam Pompey over in the second half, while his fleet-footed running game created havoc on the Cowboys’ right edge.

While Nikorima showed off his flair, his halves partner Blake Green was the disciplined maestro.

Repeat sets and a strong allround kicking game in the second half heaped the pressure on North Queensland and ground the visitors out of the contest. Peta Hiku was the beneficiary of their partnership – which combined for five try assists – as he crossed for a hattrick down the left side.

A double to Kyle Feldt, who also took on the goalkicking duties, kept the Cowboys in the match on the scoreboard. However, by the time he crossed for his second in the 74th minute the damage had been done.

In further concerns for Paul Green’s men, stand-in skipper Jordan Mclean failed to finish the clash with a suspected calf injury. With captain Michael Morgan still on the sidelines, the Cowboys can ill-afford more experience in the casualty ward.