Cowboys too good for Warriors in Mackay trial

The North Queensland Cowboys have defeated the New Zealand Warriors 32-14 in their NRL trial match in Mackay last night.

New Cowboys recruits, five-eighth Jason Smith and former Warriors' backrower Sione Faumuina, didn't disappoint the North Queenslanders in match marred by poor handling from the Warriors.

Winger Brenton Bowen was first to score courtesy of a cut-out pass from Smith. Half back Johnathan Thurston then set up Jacob Lillyman to put the Cowboys ahead 10-0 at half time.

Smith was rested early in the second-half and replaced by North Queensland Young Guns five-eighth Jackson Nicolau who had earlier starred in the curtain-raiser.

Winger Manu Vatuvei scored for the Warriors to narrow the gap to 10-4. Smith came back on for the Cowboys and the North Queenslanders extended their lead with Brenton Bowen scoring his second try.

Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen starred in the second half with a try-saving tackle before scoring himself and then setting up another.

Cowboys second-rower Steve Southern was another standout while Warriors utility Lance Hohaia was probably the Warriors' best.

The Cowboys will travel to Cairns next Saturday night to take on Manly while the Warriors play host to the Bulldogs in Auckland.

COWBOYS 32 v WARRIORS 14 Scorers Cowboys: B Bowen 2, J Lillyman, M Bowen, A Payne, S Bolton tries. J Thurston 4 goals. Scorers Warriors: M Vatuvei, E Lauaki, W McKinnon tries.T Martin goal. Brothers Rugby League Oval, Mackay, QLD Crowd: Approx 8,000 7.30pm HALF TIME: Cowboys 10-0 FULL TIME: Cowboys 32-14