An 80-metre effort from North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has broken the hearts of Penrith Panthers players and fans, all but ending their 2019 finals hopes.
With just over 20 minutes remaining in the contest and the Cowboys up by 8 points, a lapse in concentration from a 20m restart saw centre Tom Opacic take a quick tap and offload quickly to Feldt, who ran 80 metres to score untouched.
The Panthers had struggled in attack throughout the opening hour, but were still in the game until the brain fade that saw the veteran winger race away.
The visitors would hit back moments later, but the writing was on the wall for the game and their season - and Twitter were quick to jump on the underperforming side.
BRING BACK GRIFFIN #9YEARPLAN#NRLCowboysPanthers
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) August 23, 2019
That’s just about curtains for Penrith for 2019. No energy or commitment. Disappointing. Vs Roosters away next week. 7th or 8th deserves to go to a more spirited outfit like the Bulldogs or Tigers. #NRLCowboysPanthers
— James Smith (@JamesSmith1001) August 23, 2019
Penrith’s attack, intensity, motivation.. #NRLCowboysPanthers pic.twitter.com/hemVVAi3cA
— Dog & Under (@Luke_Pownall) August 23, 2019
A try with less than 10 minutes left on the clock to superstar lock forward Jason Taumalolo sealed the win for the Cowboys, who themselves have been underwhelming this year.
With Penrith stuck on 22 points they are still a chance of scraping in - but with a points differential of -89, that seems to be a very slim chance.
It has been a disappointing campaign for the boys from the foot of the Mountains after high expectations before the year began - and it will be back to the drawing board for head coach Ivan Cleary with their finals hopes in tatters.
