Cowboys edge Bulldogs in Townsville heat

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North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The North Queensland Cowboys put themselves back into the NRL top 8 and pushed their points difference into positive territory with a 20-18 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Despite facing an early defensive test, the Cowboys were able to keep their cool and go down the other end to open the scoring as Heilum Luki cleaned up a loose ball to score close to the posts.

The Bulldogs were able to hit back not long after when Josh Curran chased through a Toby Sexton kick and Curran got to the ball just inside the dead-ball line despite some mild interference on the run through.

Both sides added a penalty goal in close to proximity to each other to push the score to 8-8.

Just after the half hour mark, Bronson Xerri chased through a Toby Sexton grubber to score. Matt Burton couldn't convert which meant the Bulldogs could only hold a 4 point lead into the break.

The second half couldn't have started worse for the Bulldogs as it was consistent defence for the first five minutes as the team came to the field but their discipline didn't as they piggybacked the Cowboys downfield and eventually a professional foul from Blake Wilson saw them drop to 12.

The Cowboys though could only manage one try during the 10-minute period when Heilum Luki picked up his second try for the night going through a tired defensive line. Val Holmes converted and put the home side in front by two.

A third try off a kick came for the Bulldogs when Jacob Kiraz flew through the air outjumping Valentine Holmes and Kiraz got the Dogs back in front. A second missed conversion from Matt Burton meant the Bulldogs only lead by two.

Despite being denied a four-pointer after Bailey Hayward knocked on in trying to get the ball down, Canterbury were given a penalty after the bunker ruled dangerous contact from a sliding Cowboys player was foul play and the Bulldogs took a strange decision to take the two and lead by four.

Some Tom Dearden magic with ten minutes to go sealed the deal for the Cowboys as he broke through some soft defence from the Bulldogs before linking with Jaxon Purdue who scored next to the posts. Valentine Holmes converted from close range for a 20-18 lead.

Both sides tried to add to their scores but the Bulldogs couldn't regain the lead and the Cowboys were able to hold on.

Next week, the Cowboys play at home again with a clash against the Sharks whilst the Bulldogs stay in Queensland with a clash against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.