Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Eels lose eighth game, Thurston scare as Cowboys beat Dragons

Updated at 6:32 am on 5 May 2012

The Parramatta Eels' dismal National Rugby League season has hit a new low, as they were thrashed 46-12 by the Bulldogs in Sydney.

The defeat ensured the Eels are off to their worst start to a season in 52 years - they've now lost eight of their first nine games of a season, heaping more pressure on beleaguered Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney.

North Queensland also romped home in Townsville, thumping the St George Illawarra Dragons 30-6 as Queensland suffered a brief State of Origin scare.

Maroons playmaker Johnathan Thurston copped a callous elbow to the head from Matt Prior, the Dragons backrower sent from the field for the 55th minute shot which left the star sprawled on the ground.

However, Maroons selectors will likely be breathing easier after Thurston returned to the Cowboys bench after receiving medical attention though the Origin and Test five-eighth did not return to the field.

In another worrying sign for Queensland selectors, prop Matt Scott was taken from the field with an ankle problem on 60 minutes in his first game back from a month-long injury layoff.

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