No excuse for late lapses, says Feldt

THEY knew where the Storm would target them, but Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt says they only have themselves to blame after two crucial missed tackles on the try line cost them dearly in Saturday’s 23- 22 loss.

The Cowboys led 14- 6 in the battle between two Origin- depleted teams after 50 minutes, but three quick tries from Melbourne turned the game.

The visitors dug deep to force golden point with a Kane Linnett try and two clutch goals from Feldt, but six minutes of carnage from Melbourne’s youngster unravelled their hard work.

Former Cowboys under- 20s player Brandon Smith scored from dummy half after brushing off stand- in captain Scott Bolton, while backrower Felise Kaufusi ran over the top of Ray Thompson, after Feldt put the kick- off out on the full.

The Cowboys knew their left edge would be targeted with regular centre Linnett playing back row for the first time, but a clinical Storm still found a way through.

“We spoke about it throughout the week, near the try line some of their players are going to go from dummy half and also Felise Kaufusi. Two tries we could have snuffed out because we knew they were coming,” Feldt said.

“That six- minute period we really let our guard down, but we really ground it out to get back into the game.”

Feldt slotted a penalty goal after the full- time siren to force extra time, having slotted a conversion from the sideline just moments earlier.

“It’s just really my job to put them through the posts I guess,” Feldt said.

Linnett did scramble well at times against the Storm onslaught down his edge, but there’s no doubt he’ll welcome the return of regular left backrower Gavin Cooper from Origin duty next week.

“It was obviously a bit tougher ( than centre), a bit more work and I’ve never played there before,” Linnett said. “I know I’ve got plenty to work on in defence, but I thought we did some good things and there’s also plenty to improve on.”