The last time an away side claimed the points in a Cowboys/Broncos match-up was back in July 2013 when the Broncos won 18-16 in Townsville.
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Poor old Matt Gillett.
Five-eighth Thurston turned on the style when it mattered yet again, selling a dummy before coming up with a clever pass for Morgan to touch down in the first period of extra-time and taking his tally with the boot to 10 to set up a clash with the Sharks next Friday.
Brisbane lost all momentum when fullback Darius Boyd knocked on from the kick-off in scenes eerily reminiscent to teammate Ben Hunt’s infamous grand final gaffe.
While the two Queensland outfits (traditionally known as “brother” clubs, but these days more like bitter rivals) have produced some of the most epic games and rugby league finishes in recent memory, the location of each blockbuster of late has proven an almighty influence on the result.
The Cowboys advance to next Friday night’s grand-final qualifier against Cronulla at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Running off pivot Morgan each time, O’Neill danced his way through the defence in the 57th and 62nd minutes to quickly overturn a 14-6 halftime deficit.
The name on everyone’s lips at kickoff was shock Cowboys debutant Kalyn Ponga who nearly scored with his second touch in a jinking run, only to be pinged by the referee for a shepherd.
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Coen Hess will start for Lowe with John Asiata promoted to the bench, while winger Antonio Winterstein (ribs) will continue to be monitored.
