The Cowboys conceded the first attempt to play without their Origin stars, but from there it was a one-way street as they headed for a 32-6 win against the Titans.
An eight-minute three-try blitz in the first half broke the spirits of the Titans, who had 61 percent possession in the first 20 minutes.
To make matters worse, the Gold Coast lost young fullback Jayden Campbell to a hamstring injury in the second half.
North Queensland could only fend off an early attack as long as the Titans crashed in the 15th minute. AJ Brimson bombed the scoring of the opener, but then made up for it moments later by letting Toby Sexton score.
But from there it was all Cowboys who scored 32 unanswered runs thanks to attempts by Heilum Luki, Murray Taulagi, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reece Robson and Peta Hiku.
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76TH MINUTE
Peta Hiku, the center of North Queensland, puts the icing on the cake by scoring a sharp try on death.
72ND MINUTE
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater pierces an agile caterpillar that mows Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and scores into the corner.
“Right for the money he’s chasing hard and getting his second try tonight as the Cowboys put this one to bed,” said Shane Flanagan.
68TH MINUTE
Cowboys whoer Reece Robson threw a dummy out of the ruck before sauntering over for the easiest attempts from just six feet away.
“That’s embarrassing, that’s almost embarrassing for Robson,” Andrew Voss said.
“Close to the line, he’s so strong and powerful,” said Shane Flanagan.
59TH MINUTE
Titans fullback Jayden Campbell will leave the game with a suspected hamstring injury.
“He grabbed his hammy and the trainer went straight to him,” said Andrew Voss.
“He’s leading the run meters (134m) tonight and Hammy went when he fell and looked to force the line out.
“He’s not doing well at all, he knew right away.”
35TH MINUTE
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow then got into action after scoring on a loose carry to score from 20 yards.
“That would have to be the worst player in the world you would want to have a loose ball,” said Andrew Voss.
30TH MINUTE
Scott Drinkwater threw a beautiful cut-out pass for Murray Taulagi, who finished strong to score in the corner.
“He’s having a fantastic season, maybe we’ll see him in Maroon this winter,” said Andrew Voss.
“This is beautiful football from the North Queensland Cowboys. They are very patient, but they don’t waste any plays putting it on,” replied Shane Flanagan.
27TH MINUTE
Scott Drinkwater passes a inside ball to Heilum Luki who shows his strength by reaching out to score.
“What did he do there, bounce, bounce, reach out, score,” said Andrew Voss.
15TH MINUTE
Titans No. 6 AJ Brimson steps off his left foot and dissolves into his half, partner Toby Sexton, who does some of his own footwork to score.
“They’ve had a few shots on this left side, they fancied themselves along that edge,” Flanagan said.
“But he still had some work to do today.”
10TH MINUTE
AJ Brimson looked certain to score in the 10th minute, but passed two yards when he could have scored himself.
“He didn’t have to pass, he just had to support himself,” Shane Flanagan told Fox League.
5TH MINUTE
The first stoppage of the game came with a blistering run down the middle from Titans fullback Jayden Campbell in the fifth minute.
But North Queensalnd – playing without their Origin stars – regained possession thanks to a short kick-off.
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MATCH EXAMPLE
Cowboys skipper Jason Taumalolo returns just in time as his side takes on the Titans.
Taumalolo missed last week following a minor knee injury and his return couldn’t have come at a better time as four of his team-mates are absent on home state duties.
Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Valentine Holmes and Tom Dearden have to watch from the Maroons camp, but Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi are free to play.
Coach Todd Payten has called up Ben Hampton to fill in at five-eighth and Brendan Elliott comes on the wing while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifts to center to cover Holmes.
Coen Hess goes from lock to support and young gunner Heilum Luki is promoted to base with Connelly Lemuelu on the bench.
The Titans have also been forced to make some big changes with skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in camp with the Maroons and David Fifita sidelined due to a knee injury.
But Moeaki Fotuaika returns in time from an ankle injury at prop, allowing Isaac Liu to switch to lock.
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