A heavy loss at home in Townsville could yet bring more pain for the embattled Cowboys.
North Queensland’s star winger Murray Taulagi is facing a charge for a high shot on Cronulla’s Jesse Ramien following Saturday’s 36-12 win for the Sharks.
Cronulla was pressing for more points during the first half when halfback Nicho Hynes passed to his right centre.
Ramien caught the ball but was immediately knocked off his feet by a thumping Taulagi hit.
Referee Liam Kennedy blew his whistle instantly to award a penalty to the Sharks, and Taulagi was placed on report.
“Gee I’m not sure about this – Ramien given a hospital pass from Hynes,” Sharks great Michael Ennis said in commentary.
“Deep into the line, but Taulagi sweating on it, just launches. Just clips him on the chin.
“Knocked him off his feet, absolutely levelled him.”
While the penalty was blown for a high shot, Taulagi was allowed to remain on the field.
Veteran commentator Andrew Voss doubted whether the contact was actually high.
“I’m not sure… if a bloke gets smashed in the chin you expect a different reaction,” Voss said.
“Does it get any more serious than that though?”
A week after being torn up by Manly, the Cowboys could barely muster a fight at home.
Origin winger Taulagi was again in the spotlight when he dropped the ball late in the game.
Ennis pointed out Taulagi has lost his wing partner Val Holmes, who moved south to join the Dragons in the off-season.
“Taulagi had a very nice combination with Valentine Holmes, they had great chemistry out on that left-hand side,” Ennis said.
“The start to the season for Murray has been a tough one… he is world class when he’s at his best, but he has been well short of that.
“You expect better.”
