A 42-28 win for the Cowboys over Wests Tigers has said more about Origin selection than either side's chances of surging up the NRL table at QLD Country Bank Stadium tonight.
North Queensland shot out of the blocks in front of a near 16,000-strong home crowd, Kyle Feldt was first on the board six minutes, taking advantage of numbers out to the right wing.
Three minutes later Jeremiah Nanai went in and the signs were becoming ominous. It only grew more concerning when Val Holmes popped over a penalty goal at the 13th minute, and not long after Feldt had a double and before the 20 minute mark, the hosts led 20-0.
Once the visitors got some possession, the tide turned. At 26 minutes Solomon Alaimalo got his side on the board and just minutes later Jahream Bula had the Tigers within ten points after snatching a bomb contest from Scott Drinkwater.
The Cowboys looked like they might stumble further before the change of ends when Valentine Holmes was sin binned for a hip drop at 37 minutes, but the hosts were able to hold on to the ten-point lead headed into the halftime break. All eyes will be on the match review committee's findings on Saturday morning as to whether Holmes will be eligible to play in the first State of Origin clash for the Maroons.
With Holmes still off the field, the Tigers did take advantage just after the resumption of play when Samuela Fainu chased through a Lachlan Galvin kick and crashed over and the margin narrowed right down to just 4 points.
That, however, would be as close as the Tigers would get. With Holmes back on, the Cowboys crossed for two quick tries at the 54th and 57th minutes, Sam McIntyre flying through and Val Holmes getting one himself. 20-16 quickly became 32-16.
The game was iced for the Cowboys six minutes from time when Nanai secured his second off a great setup from Chad Townsend.
Down 38-20, the Tigers did push for two late tries through Stefano Utoikamanu and Alex Twal, but the Cowboys had the last laugh with Holmes securing his double on the siren, the final score ending 42-28.
The Tigers will welcome the bye next week while North Queensland are off to Sydney to face the Roosters.