Jeremiah Nanai’s Nerve-Wracking Wait for Origin Selection Following Crusher Tackle in Cowboys’ Narrow Victory Against Tigers

Jeremiah Nanai may be facing suspension ahead of Origin II after being put on report for a crusher tackle reminiscent of Leo Thompson’s during North Queensland’s narrow 32-28 victory over the Tigers.

Thompson received a four-match suspension for a similar offence against Hamish Stewart, while Jacob Preston faced a comparable penalty just weeks prior.

Nanai’s incident occurred late in the first half when he tackled Heath Mason while the Cowboys were ahead 14-6.

The match was quite eventful for the officials, with Api Koroisau also being reported for a shoulder charge in the 12th minute, while Jarome Luai was sin-binned for repeated infringements at the same time. The Cowboys took advantage of the situation and slotted a penalty goal immediately after.

Luai’s absence proved detrimental for the Tigers, allowing John Bateman and Jaxon Purdue to score tries.

Starford To’a managed to cross the line for the Tigers shortly after Luai’s return to the field.

Scott Drinkwater then found the try zone right on half-time, boosting the Cowboys to an 18-6 lead at the break.

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Nanai scored his own try early in the second half, followed by Jaxson Paulo extending the Cowboys’ lead to 26-6.

Tom Dearden’s try in the 58th minute looked set to secure victory for the Cowboys at 32-6.

However, the Tigers refused to give in.

To’a, Mason, Charlie Staines, and Jahrema Bula racked up four unanswered tries, narrowing the Cowboys’ lead to just four points with only four minutes remaining.

Ultimately, North Queensland managed to hold on, preventing a remarkable comeback from the Tigers.