Amidst all the excitement over the high-flying Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, who many think are hurtling towards their first-ever premiership, the North Queensland Cowboys recorded a statement win at Townsville against the Bulldogs as if to say, “Hello? Um, we’re still here swinging.”

Sure, the excitement, particularly among the sky-blue army of fans, certainly seems warranted. The Sharks in 2016 are even more rugged, determined, focussed, sleek and clinical as they have ever been. They boast invaluable experience in Gallen, youthful enthusiasm and brilliance in blokes like Holmes and Bird, and pure footy smarts and gamesmanship: read Ennis.

They handled the Origin period extremely well, scoring a fine win over the Panthers without five of their troops missing through Blues duty. They’re chasing their 15th win now after an escaping victory over the Chooks.

Yes, things are looking bright for the Sharks, but that thumping win for the Cowboys over the Dogs reminded everyone about the Cowboys’ potency both in attack and defence. To belt a fine team like the Bulldogs 36-0 is a massive statement, because this is usually the time the Belmore boys start solidifying for their finals assault. That win over Des’ boys will be enough to send them home licking their wounds as they measure themselves against the defending champs.

As hard as NRL-level rugby league is, things should actually start to get a little easier for the Cows from now heading into the finals. No more Origin for their brace of stars. Barring injury, they’ll have no more games without Thurston, the best player in the world, in 2016. He reminded everyone how magical he can be by forcing five drop-outs for the Bulldogs in the first half alone. It was 20-0 when he left the field with a hamstring concern in the 47th minute, with his mates doing the job in his absence, finally recording that 36-0 win. Scary stuff.

As well, Scott and Tamou, the most effective props in the game, and Michael Morgan, one of the best halves support acts the game has ever seen, are ready for another lethal finals campaign.

That job ain’t done yet for the Sharks …