North Queensland Cowboys won 30-16 against Gold Coast Titans in front of 16,999 fans in Townsville on Sunday night.
It was a game between two desperate sides who were ready to kickstart their season. Cowboys were able to open their account for the season with a solid fourteen point success.
Both teams were looking to get off the duck egg for the season. It was the Cowboys who struck first with Murray Taulagi diving over in the corner for 6-0.
It was a huge welcome back for Jayden Campbell. He showed off his swift feet to slice through the Cowboys defence and level the game at six.
The Titans completed the turnaround from a moment of magic from Campbell. He snagged an intercept and stretched out to collect his second and make it 10-6.
It seemed like it was a night for doubles in this game. Cowboys produced a slick backline movement which ended with Taulagi touching down for his brace.
Scott Drinkwater has had a tough start to the season, but the star fullback had a highlight reel moment breaking through and cutting open the Titans to make it 16-10.
Taulagi turned provider to help the Cowboys to get their fourth. It was a pinpoint kick which Taulagi batted to Jaxon Purdue to score.
Titans needed a response after the break, and it came from Kurtis Morrin. They got into attacking position with a pair of penalties then Morrin burst through to get over.
Cowboys extended their lead to eight after some time camped on the Titans line. Tom Dearden was clipped high and Jake Clifford saluted for 24-16.
They made use of the Titans discipline issues to go ahead further. They tried to the run-around play which was snuffed out then Purdue found Clifford on the inside to score.