North Queensland's impressive start to the 2017 NRL season continued in Townsville on Friday as a composed Cowboys accounted for South Sydney 20-6.
More Rugby League Videos
- Video duration
- 01:30
Cowboys too strong for Rabbitohs
Cowboys too strong for Rabbitohs
The North Queensland Cowboys have beaten the South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-6, on the back of a solid defensive effort.
Up Next
'Group here very united': Des Hasler
- Video duration
- 00:59
- Video duration
- 00:59
'Group here very united': Des Hasler
'Group here very united': Des Hasler
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler hoses down speculation that his job is on the line.
Up Next
Sia Soliola cops five weeks
- Video duration
- 00:38
- Video duration
- 00:38
Sia Soliola cops five weeks
Sia Soliola cops five weeks
The judiciary has handed down a five-week suspension to the Canberra Raiders lock for a high shot on Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater.
Up Next
Eels sneak home via Norman field goal
- Video duration
- 01:30
- Video duration
- 01:30
Eels sneak home via Norman field goal
Eels sneak home via Norman field goal
Parramatta sealed victory over Wests Tigers in the final minutes.
Up Next
Dragons thump Manly
- Video duration
- 01:30
- Video duration
- 01:30
Dragons thump Manly
Dragons thump Manly
The class of captain Gareth Widdop and an injection of enthusiasm from local product Matt Dufty inspired St George Illawarra to maintain their grip on a top eight spot.
Up Next
Punches, headbutts and elbows
- Video duration
- 00:31
- Video duration
- 00:31
Punches, headbutts and elbows
Punches, headbutts and elbows
Manly were already well behind on the scoreboard and didn't need this early in the second-half.
Up Next
Manly fall asleep as Nightingale strikes
- Video duration
- 00:38
- Video duration
- 00:38
Manly fall asleep as Nightingale strikes
Manly fall asleep as Nightingale strikes
On a sunny day in Wollongong, Jason Nightingale added to his tally of career tries in ridiculously easy fashion.
Up Next
Bowen bolts away in Townsville
- Video duration
- 00:43
- Video duration
- 00:43
Bowen bolts away in Townsville
Bowen bolts away in Townsville
With the game on the line, everything hinged on the final kick for the Warriors hot on attack.
Cowboys too strong for Rabbitohs
The North Queensland Cowboys have beaten the South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-6, on the back of a solid defensive effort.
The battle between the 2014 and 2015 premiers never reached any great heights but North Queensland were by far the better side and improved to 4-1 on the season, with a solid performance against a sluggish Rabbitohs.
Damien Cook made a game-high 53 tackles after starting at hooker in place of NSW State of Origin No.9 Robbie Farah, who played just eight minutes after being relegated to the bench.
Souths went toe to toe with the Cowboys in the early exchanges but never seriously threatened after trailing 14-0 at the halfway mark.
Returning fullback Lachlan Coote wasted no time in making his mark on the game as he nailed a 40-20 with his first kick. Although North Queensland were unable to capitalise there was no shortage of action early as both sides attacked at a breakneck pace.
The Rabbitohs peppered the Cowboys goal line but the hosts went on to open the scoring with a Johnathan Thurston penalty goal after 20 minutes.
Souths second-rower John Sutton was within inches of the game's opening try minutes later before being denied by some desperate Michael Morgan defence and the Cowboys five-eighth made it a double blow when he crashed over for a four-pointer from short range.
The pain continued for Souths when rookie winger Gideon Gela-Mosby finished off a slick backline movement from the home side, with Thurston's conversion sending the Cowboys in to the break 14-0 up.
A spell from the sapping Townsville heat seemed to do the Bunnies the world of good and they hit back soon after half-time when centre Robert Jennings caught the Cowboys left edge napping for a classy try.
Unfortunately for Souths fans, the visitors' revival proved to be short-lived with utility John Asiata hitting Shaun Fensom with a great short ball to allow the former Canberra Raider to power over for his first try in Cowboys colours.
AAP