CAIRNS - The much anticipated return of star fullback Matt Bowen was not enough for North Queensland to secure a win against a disciplined Panthers outfit in an NRL trial match Saturday night.
Despite a strong start, the Cowboys were unable to maintain momentum in the second half and walked away with an 18-18 draw in front a 12,000 strong crowd at Barlow Park.
Bowen was placed in the starting side on Friday after getting the all-clear from his surgeon following a season-ending knee injury in round eight last year.
The try-scoring machine had a quiet first half but was consigned to the bench with an ice-pack to his knee for the final 40 minutes.
North Queensland scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, tries to Ty Williams and Scott Bolton both converted by captain Jonathan Thurston.
Bolton crossed the line a second time soon afterwards but was held up.
However, the Panthers returned fire with winger Michael Jennings scoring off a kick from halfback Jarrod Sammut to go into half time 12-6.
A solid performance from Sammut helped Penrith dominate the second half, with the No 7 breaking through the patchy Cowboys defence several times and crossing the line early in the half.
The Panthers appeared to be cruising to victory in the final 10 minutes with a try to secondrower Nathan Smith.
However, the Cowboys rallied in the dying minutes on the back of a try from replacement Clint Amos to secure a draw.
The Cowboys meet the Broncos in a round one clash on March 13 in Brisbane while the Panthers will take on the Sharks the following night at Cronulla.
North Queensland 18 (T Williams S Bolton C Amos tries J Thurston 2 J Williams goals) drew Penrith 18 (M Jennings J Sammut N Smith tries M Gordon 3 goals) at Barlow Park.
- AAP
League: Bowen return not enough for Cowboys
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