Sydney Roosters crush North Queensland Cowboys 82-12 in record NRL win

The Sydney Roosters delivered a historic attacking display in Townsville, defeating the North Queensland Cowboys 82‑12. The half‑time score of 48‑6 equalled the NRL record for points in a half, and the 82 points scored rank as the third‑highest total ever recorded, marking the Cowboys' heaviest defeat in club history.

Half‑back Sam Walker contributed a personal haul of 36 points, including a hat‑trick and 12 successful conversions, while James Tedesco added two early tries. The Roosters' 14 tries highlighted their dominance, with multiple players crossing the line. Former Cowboys great Johnathan Thurston described the loss as "embarrassing" and called for a defensive overhaul, noting the need for the team to regroup for upcoming matches.

The result set a new benchmark for points conceded, the most in a first‑grade match since 1935, and underscored the Roosters' status as premiership contenders while prompting soul‑searching within the Cowboys camp.