'Hasn't done anything': State of Origin hero under fire over 'disappointing' scenes
The Cowboys were blown off the park in the 43-24 flogging by the Dolphins, who ran in seven tries to four to jump into seventh on the NRL ladder. It was another dismal defensive display from North Queensland, who have the worst record in the competition after conceding a staggering 531 points in their 18 games so far this season. That equates to an alarming average of almost 30 points against per game and heaps more pressure on coach Todd Payten.
As it currently stands, North Queensland are five points adrift of the top eight with six games to go. But Alexander said on the evidence of Thursday night's heavy defeat and their woeful recent form, he gives them no chance of featuring in this year's finals series.
'Put a line through the Cowboys after last night, it's the end of them,' Alexander said on SEN radio on Friday. 'Even though their draw is favourable, and they still have a bye up their sleeves, I can't see the Cowboys rallying after that."
Reuben Cotter's form for the Cowboys under fire
And Alexander says the form of Cotter has been particularly concerning after his impressive performances for Queensland in this year's Origin series win. The Maroons back-rower has been nowhere near his best for the Cowboys in 2025 and is averaging just 88 run metres and less than nine hit-ups per game, from his 12 appearances in clubland this season.
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'Some of their players, Reuben Cotter has only had two good games, and they were both for Queensland," Alexander said about the Maroons star. "He hasn't done anything for the Cowboys this year. He has been very disappointing as he was again last night.'
Cotter's form does not bode well for his hopes of selection in the Kangaroos squad for their Ashes series against England later this year. The Cowboys forward has been a mainstay in the Kangaroos squads in recent years and played in their victorious Pacific Championships campaign last year, and was part of Australia's squad for their World Cup triumph in 2023. But he's fallen well down the pecking order in terms of the NRL's best back-rowers this season.
Cowboys slip further out of NRL finals contention
And it's indicative of the struggles of the star-studded Cowboys, who had four players featuring on Thursday night against the Dolphins that played in last week's Origin decider. Winger Murray Taulagi - who suffered a late hamstring injury - has also been a regular for the Maroons in recent years. But they are now staring down the barrel of missing the finals for a third time under Payten, having made it to the second week of the playoffs last season.
Many critics insist the Cowboys should be pushing for the top-four but Payten has been unable to get the best out of his star-studded side in 2025. And it's left his position in serious threat, with the Cowboys slipping out of finals contention after six losses in their last seven games.
"Their defence is just terrible," veteran NRL reporter Andrew Webster said on SEN radio. "I know they can score points and we saw that with three tries in eight minutes (against the Dolphins) but I don't know if it's the coach, I don't know what's wrong with them but they just don't seem to be able to stop points."
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Tom's Guide
44 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
How to watch Australia vs Lions Test 1: Live stream the 2025 rugby game for FREE
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Lynagh has three caps to his name, all of which were earned from the bench. Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are also sidelined. Having only just avoided losing to Fiji on home soil for the first time in more than 70 years in their one and only warmup fixture, it's fair to say that Joe Schmidt's men aren't starting the triple-header from a position of strength. In Lynagh, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau, however, there's the foundation of a really exciting team. Farrell's selection of Tom Curry over Jac Morgan, who's arguably been the Lions' player of the tour so far, has raised eyebrows, while Tadhg Beirne can consider himself fortunate to have gotten the nod over Ollie Chessum. Here's how to watch Australia vs Lions Test 1 live streams from anywhere in the world today, and potentially for free. If you're in Australia you're in luck, as you can watch an Australia vs Lions Test 1 live stream for FREE on 9Now. Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch all the action as if you were back home. Of the options, NordVPN is our top pick, and we'll show you how to access it below. Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the rugby on your usual subscription? You can still watch Australia vs Lions Test 1 live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market: NordVPN deal: 70% off Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ Money back guarantee✅ 70% off usual price✅ Amazon gift card worth up to $50 Use Nord to unblock RugbyPassTV and watch the British & Irish Lions live online with our exclusive deal. Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. 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A monthly rolling subscription usually costs CA$34.99, but for a limited time you can get your first month for CA$19.99. Australian residents visiting Canada can get a FREE Australia vs Lions Test 1 live stream through 9Now using NordVPN. The Australia vs Lions Test 1 is being broadcast for FREE on Channel 9, with live streaming available via 9Now. The game is also being shown on Stan Sport ad-free and in 4K, along with every other game of the Lions tour. Stan Sport costs AU$15/month on top of a Stan plan, which starts at AU$12/month. If you're away from Australia right now and want to watch your usual subscription from back home, use a quality VPN like NordVPN. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. 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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Australia v Lions preview, teams and how to follow
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New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
How SailGP Keeps the Boats From Breaking
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