Parker: Worst in 91 years, embarrassing Cowboys were simply unacceptable

Following one of the worst days in Cowboys’ history, Corey Parker has pondered whether the club can recover to keep their season alive.

After winning three of their last four, Thursday night saw North Queensland suffer their worst loss in the club’s 31-year history with an 82-12 loss to the Roosters at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Sydney’s point total was also the biggest since 1935.

Following the result, coach Todd Payten apologised for the result, calling the day one of the darkest for the Cowboys.

Reflecting on the result, Parker admitted he was embarrassed on behalf of the side considering the form they showed last week against the Broncos.

“Dumbfounded, for one, but this will never, ever, ever be forgotten,” he declared on SENQ Breakfast.

“Like, 1935 was the last time a scoreline like this was posted.  

“It was incredible to think, 82 points to 12.  My goodness.

“82 points to 12, quite simply is unacceptable.

“It is embarrassing. If you're a player, you do not want to even show your face. If you're a coach, you don't want to go to a press conference.

“They went after Brisbane through that middle part of the field last week and bashed them. 18 points to 10, got the job done.

“So, then you fast forward to Thursday night, you think, ‘Oh boy, what about this?’

“The high-flying Roosters sitting second in the table, taking on the Cowboys at home.  This is gonna be epic. It was far from it.”

History would suggest the Cowboys are no longer capable of winning the premiership, with no NRL side having won the title after conceding 50 points or more in a single match.

But after this defeat, the Broncos legend admitted he didn’t know how the side can put this result behind them for this season.

“Todd Payten said that he's embarrassed for his fans and the like,” he added.

“But I just don't know where to go with this. 82 points, it's not just a game you can just push aside and move on.

“It's just not. Like get your head around that for a moment.”

The Cowboys will have to wait until next Thursday to get themselves back off the canvas when they take on the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

That match kicks off at 7:50pm AEST with SEN League having live coverage of the match on our radio network and on the SEN app from 6pm with NRL Countdown.