Nanai key for Cowboys

TWO slick and smart gamebreaking plays by boom Cowboys 19-year-old backrower Jeremiah Nanai inspired a 36-16 comeback win over the hapless Knights and furthered his growing claims for a Maroons debut.

The Knights, inspired by reinvigorated skipper Kalyn Ponga, held a shock 16-12 lead at the break before Nanai’s awareness and Chad Townsend’s game management changed the game.

Just after halftime, Nanai wisely called for a captain’s challenge and the replays showed Knights half Phoenix Crossland had grazed a Nanai pass and knocked on. The Cowboys scored from the next set and never looked back, consigning the Knights to a seventh-consecutive loss.

Nanai, who had been quiet in the first half, then scored a try that showcased his incredible skill when he put two right-foot steps on Ponga and Mat Croker to leave the result beyond doubt.

The Cowboys retained their grip on third and it was their big-game playmakers who once again came to the fore. Veteran half Townsend showed what a great buy he has been again with four try assists, with his pinpoint kicking and organisation a huge factor in the second half.