Tigers thrash Cowboys to storm into finals contention

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Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys

The Wests Tigers have surged into the top eight for the first time since Round 10 after a comfortable 28-4 win over the North Queensland Cowboys on Thursday night. 

It spells the end of North Queensland's season, who put in one of their most disappointing efforts of the year with their season on the line. 

Michael Morgan struggled to inject himself in his first game back from a pair of concussions, with the Cowboys completing 28 of 42 sets.

Luke Brooks, on the other hand, controlled things beautifully with two try-assists and a composed kicking game.

Brooks put the ball into the air for Esan Marsters, who flew above to take it with relative ease before pushing his way past a few Cowboys defenders to score. 

After celebrating his 300th game last week, Tigers veteran Robbie Farah ran out to a chorus of cheers at the club's spiritual home. 

The 35-year old made the perfect start as he charged down a kick from Morgan and dived on the ball to hand his side possession 20 out from the North Queensland line.

He later scooted out of dummy-half to crash over and score in the 17th minute.

With a top-eight spot on the line the Tigers defended stoutly throughout the first half, constantly turning their opponents away. 

The same couldn't be said for the Cowboys, who conceded relatively soft tries. 

With four defenders around him Paul Momirovski appeared to be covered but the Tigers winger stepped back inside to fool the defence and extend his side's lead to 16.

The Cowboys almost had their first of the game when Kyle Feldt went over in the corner in the 31st minute.

It was that lack of polish that cost them in the end, slumping to a 16-point deficit heading into the break.

After a fairly uneventful start to the second half the Tigers extended their lead by two points when Moses Mbye slotted a penalty goal in the 58th minute. 

North Queensland gave their fans a slight glimmer of hope when Feldt went over with 15 minutes remaining. 

But two quick tries to Marsters and Chris Lawrence put an exclamation mark on the victory for the Tigers, who temporarily move into seventh position.

They have a perfect chance to cement their spot in the eight next week when they play the Bulldogs while the Cowboys take on the Broncos in the Queensland derby.