Rugby League: Rashness scuttles Warriors

By PETER JESSUP

Ill-discipline cost the Warriors victory over North Queensland in a dour and niggly game yesterday, the Cowboys working on the home team's frustration to draw three penalties to stay in touch and a fourth to win 28-26 in golden-point extra time.

Captain Monty Betham was sinbinned for dissent in a second half that featured several push-and-shove matches, and it was Betham called for a high tackle on Cowboys captain Paul Rauhihi in front of the posts three minutes into the extra period.

Much of the niggle featured former Warrior David Myles.

Warriors coach Tony Kemp said he expected lots of verbal between his team, Myles and Kevin Campion because that was how players treated former team-mates, but there was nothing malicious in the sledging. He didn't feel his team fell into the trap of retaliating illegally.

But Rauhihi made it plain they drew on the Warriors' frustration.

Rauhihi's confrontation with Betham when tackled near the Warriors goal-line in the 56th minute preceded Betham's send-off by referee Matt Cecchin.

The pair exchanged words, Rauhihi advancing off the mark from the play-the-ball, which is a penalty offence.

But he mouthed angrily at Cecchin and after the next tackle Betham was marched.

Cecchin fled without explaining Betham's offence, despite requests. Betham said he was confused about it but added it was for "a cooling-off".

The Warriors will ask referees boss Robert Finch for an explanation today. Rauhihi denied giving Betham special attention.

"Everyone knows what Monty is like, he likes to get involved in every little thing and I was there to calm him down," he said.

Of the sinbinning and what preceded it, he said: "He [Monty] was putting quite a few high shots in - for their captain to do that, he had to pay the price."

Rauhihi said the last tackle of the game was certainly high and deserved a penalty.

"I don't know what he was thinking there."

While Betham and the referee will be raking over the incident, the NRL will in turn ask the Warriors for an explanation of an interchange in the 20th minute when Epalahame Lauaki replaced Evarn Tuimavave. There is some doubt whether procedures were properly followed.

Not that the Warriors can lose competition points, as Brisbane did, because they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

It was a vastly improved performance, but neither team on display would trouble the leaders. The excitement came through the close score and swapping lead rather than any scintillating football.

But at least there was go-forward. Richard Villasanti was much improved, making 100m. But Rauhihi made 172m.

The Warriors lost Iafeta Paleaaesina early with concussion, the Cowboys lost Jamie McDonald with a broken arm. Warrior Awen Guttenbeil was ruled out before the match with a rib injury but is expected to be available to play the Storm in Melbourne this week.

Prop Shannon Stowers made his NRL debut with 11 minutes to go, the 31st player used this year.

Louis Anderson and Wairangi Koopu had big games on defence but, predictably, it was Campion who topped the tackle count with 32.

Tuimavave provided impact, Clinton Toopi made a solid comeback and looked sharp running from depth. But in the Cowboys' red zone they still had trouble scoring, with Stacey Jones' kicks often too short.

The Warriors could have won had they not given away so many penalties, or had they nailed more than one of six shots at goal.

Thankfully, though, they did look like a real football team.

Warriors draw and results - 2004 NRL

Other NRL fixtures and points table