The New Zealand Warriors lived up to expectations in downing North Queensland 30-24 in their National Rugby League clash at Ericsson Stadium today.
But the margin wasn't as big as many predicted as the gutsy Cowboys stayed in the hunt until the end, scoring two late tries to make it anervous final few minutes for the home fans.
In a match played before a crowd of 19,722 and which ended in heavy rain, the Cowboys belied their status as rank outsiders by more than holding the Warriors in the first quarter and then drawing first blood.
Warrior fullback Brent Webb, in his first match of the season after a thumb injury, failed to hold a pass near his own line and former team-mate Kevin Campion was first to the ball to help send winger Matt Sing over.
The home side hit back with three tries in 11 minutes. Halfback Stacey Jones' banana kick fell loose for five-eighth Motu Tony to dive over for the first.
Winger Francis Meli then began a length-of-the-field move with a big bust and ended it by latching on to a grubber by Webb for his seventh touchdown of the season.
The Warriors went further ahead when hooker P J Marsh broke clear from dummy half and centre Clinton Toopi finished off in the corner.
Marsh kicked the conversion, his second success in a row from the sideline for a 16-6 lead.
But the Cowboys came back just before half-time, when a strong run up the middle by hooker Leigh McWilliams led to Sing crossing for his second try.
The Warriors upped the tempo early in the second half and Jones increased the margin when he forced his way over.
Winger Henry Fa'afili then scored thanks to a Marsh cross kick before Marsh himself took advantage of a Meli break to cross himself by the posts.
But the Cowboys again worked their way back into the game.
McWilliams got reward for a fine performance when he burrowed over and then centre Josh Hannay scored a runaway. Hannay's fourth goal from four attempts made it six-point ball game with 11 minutes to go. There was no further scoring.
