The Cowboys surged into their first bye week of the season with a commanding 16-34 victory over the Raiders in Canberra on Friday night.
A season-best defensive performance set the stage in the first half, where North Queensland scored four unanswered tries, catapulting them to 16 competition points. Key contributions came from Maroons forward Reuben Cotter and Kiwi powerhouse Griffin Neame, while halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend orchestrated the attack with precision. Despite the Raiders’ aggressive start the Cowboys’ resolute goal-line defense held firm, leading to a 0-22 lead at halftime.
The Raiders suffered their third consecutive defeat at GIO Stadium, conceding 118 points over these games. Despite a spirited second-half effort, which saw tries from Jordan Rapana, Xavier Savage, and Elliott Whitehead, the early damage proved insurmountable.
The Cowboys’ offensive prowess shone through with Valentine Holmes maintaining his perfect try-scoring record at GIO Stadium, and Reece Robson finishing off a brilliant run from Scott Drinkwater. The comprehensive victory showcased the Cowboys’ defensive and offensive strengths, setting a positive tone as they head into their week off.
