Canberra star Jack Wighton claimed some of the Raiders players are “taking naps” during games and it’s costing the team.
The Raiders blew a 12-0 lead to lose 18-12 to North Queensland at GIO Stadium.
They scored the only two tries of the first half, before being run over late in the game to lose at the death.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
Immediately after the game Wighton cut a dejected figure as he spoke to Nine’s Danika Mason.
“Very frustrated after leading at half time,” Wighton said.
“We’ve got to look at ourselves individually… people (are) taking naps.
“Something will have to change or we’re no hope.”
Playing the Raiders in Canberra is considered the toughest road trip in the NRL – particularly for the Cowboys, given the difference in climate between Townsville and the nation’s capital.
And while the Cowboys took a long time to warm into the game, when they clicked into gear they were simply too good for their opposition.
League legend Andrew Johns was stunned by the second-half comeback.
“They were gone. They were gone, they were wobbling,” Johns said of North Queensland.
“But they hung on in that first half, half time came at the right time. Then the second half, geez they played well.
“Some of their young players… they are building for something there at the Cowboys.”
It gets no easier for the Raiders, who face Penrith next week.
The Cowboys host Gold Coast in a Queensland derby.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!