Cowboys hold off plucky Parra

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North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels

A Jason Taumalolo-inspired North Queensland side have consigned the Parramatta Eels to another away loss, with a late try and field goal earning the home team a 17-10 win at 1300SMILES Stadium.

In a game that reached few great heights the Cowboys got the early upper hand, with Matt Scott scoring after six minutes - yes, a prop the opening tryscorer - and Jordan Kahu converting. The Eels got on the board through Brad Takairangi after 25 minutes with Moses converting and the scores were back level.

Neither side troubled the scorers before halftime with it all square at 6-all when the sides changed ends.

An errant Michael Morgan pass delivered a dream start for Parramatta after the break. Josh Hoffman managed to get possession and run a long-range effort, and put the Eels up 10-6.

From there it was a grind - Kyle Feldt levelled things with fifteen to go with a wonderful try in the corner after some sustained pressure. 

The Cowboys went ahead inside the final ten minutes when Tom Opacic capitalised on a Parramatta error and then it was all about holding on.

Jordan Kahu nailed a field goal when the home side was next in position - and a seven point lead inside the last five minutes was ultimately too much for the Eels to overcome.

So Parramatta's poor away form continues while the Cowboys join a log-jam of teams sitting on 8 points, while the Eels are teetering on the edge of the eight and depending on results tomorrow could finish the round in 9th.

Next week they head home to host the Panthers in Indigenous Round - while the Cowboys are in Canberra to face the Raiders.