Why the Cowboys' season could be done with a loss to the Titans

08/05/2024 05:30

Retired premiership-winning forward Corey Parker believes a line might be put through the season of the North Queensland Cowboys if they suffer their fifth loss in a row at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans this weekend.

The Cowboys started 2024 in red-hot form, winning four of their first five games before four straight losses, culminating in a 28-26 defeat to the Dolphins at home at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

As North Queensland looked to bounce back this season following on from a poor 2023, which came on the back of a preliminary final in 2022, the Cowboys have struggled for consistency as they sit 10th on the ladder.

Parker said the clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast was almost a must win.

"Both teams are coming in with one win out of the last five, you have a look at the two teams and you sort of lean more towards the Titans at home, they've been building nicely even though they've only had one win that being against the Warriors," he said on Mornings with Ben Davis.

"They were terrific against the Storm last week (and) were very unlucky not to get that win.

"But you just look at the Cowboys and you just, if you're a punter or a tipster, you'll probably give them one more chance, because you go through their list, and they're sitting 10th at this point in time, but their list suggests they should be much, much higher.

"They need a win, they need to build some sort of momentum because this could be where the red pen comes out and a line goes through the team.

"This is a real defining game for both teams."

Parker also said he was a big fan of Jake Clifford, who filled in for the Cowboys at halfback in place of the injured Chad Townsend.

"(He has got) a wonderful kicking game, defensively does his role, so some big decisions there when it comes down to Chad Townsend because he's made it clear he wants to go around again," he said.

"I've been surprised that other NRL clubs haven't been circling around Jake Clifford to potentially fill a void in their halves… Keep an eye on him."

The Titans host the Cowboys at CBUS Super Stadium at 4.05pm Sunday.