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No Sideshow for Bob as Titans fail
Cowboys 24 def Titans 10

A forgettable game for Titans winger Matt Petersen was one of many lowlights for the Titans as they went down badly to a high flying Cowboys side tonight on the Gold Coast.

Big Carl Webb was back for the Cowboys and stamped his authority on the match, firing up at Mark Minichiello at one stage and giving the former Rabbit a nice facial and don't argue towards the end of the game.

The Cowboys led by a dominant Thurston were never really going to lose after a confident start in wet conditions. Old man Smith was again at his scheming best; as was Cowboy old timer Paul Bowman who was rock solid in defence and scored a nice try from a delightful Thurston hold, pump and pass.

The North Queensland boys have their confidence back and needed the win close to Origin time as they lose their contingent of stars and it sees them move to 12 points and the Titans stuck on 8.

Titans centre Matt Rogers continued his good form, him and Bailey the only real stars for a very flat Titans side. Tonight showed how much they really miss Preston's spark in attack, they looked lost and 1 dimensional. Prince also missed the chance to dominate rival Thurston, after failing to impress with attack and kicking in play - the 2 halfbacks actually coming together for argey bargey in the 2nd half - ending in a slap across the face for each other.

The game completes Round 8 of the NRL with the following outcomes for your team:

Broncos: Building on form, the win for premiers really helps their cause close to Origin time. Look to have turned the corner.

Souths: Have lost the last 2 games by very small margins. Jeremy Smith out of form at present - team will not be affected by Origin.

Saints: Extremely lucky to sneak a win, playing poorly and no end in sight. Dean Young helped but can't do it on his own. Face the Tigers this week and should be nervous.

Penrith: Nothing nice to say here, so won't say anything at all.

Warriors: Slipped up at home, lost players to suspension from it. Out coached by Ricky Stuarts side. Looks to only be a minor speed hump for Cleary's men. Seem to be ok.

Cronulla: Jeckyl and Hyde - consistency a real issue. Got the points, on the back of smart coaching and good kicking. Need to perform at home, Dykes may be the answer at half.

Parramatta: Strong win at home, when half Smith plays well the Eels win. Finch still not pulling his weight. Look to only be in 3rd gear, if can find spark will stay in top 8.

Roosters: No enthusiasm, simple errors cost them dearly. Simply not winning the play the ball battle. Long Long year continues. Chris Anderson needs to keep taking his heart pills or he might suffer another stroke!

Tigers: Sweating on the outcome of Benji tests. Look to have built nicely with wins over Dogs and Storm. Showed they are a true force. Farrah is hitting the top of his game. Impressive.

Storm: Speed bump only. The slap in the face they needed to get angry and motivated. Bellamy won't worry too much.

Manly: Sloppy start, but clicked into gear late. Attack needs more polish and defence was shown up a touch. Expect them to be hot this Friday night against the Eels at home.

Canberra: Showed signs they can compete, but lacked the experience to put the Eagles away. Should improve on this, won't get the spoon this year - that's for sure.

Bulldogs: Won ugly, and had help from Steve Clark. Need to find the problems, or might drop some games. Sherwin going well and Patten kept the opposition out.

Knights: Too many kids to be competitive - put in a massive effort in the circumstances. Miss Mullen. Tough few weeks ahead. McMannus is a star in the making - nice replacement for Brian Carney.

Cowboys: Look the goods again, confident and streamlined. Forwards back on top with Webb on deck. Look out opposition in weeks ahead.

Titans: Woeful effort from the new boys. Missed Presto and need to be cautious not to get down heartened. Home ground loss is a concern. Unknown how they will respond.