Scott Drinkwater has shaken off rumours surrounding his future with North Queensland, powering the Cowboys to a 46-34 try-fest victory over Cronulla.
There had been speculation the fullback could move to St George Illawarra at the end of the season, despite being contracted until the end of 2027.
But the 28-year-old looked intent on delivering for the Cowboys, registering a try, three try assists, a crucial 40/20, and seven tackle busts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday.
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His efforts helped North Queensland bounce back from what coach Todd Payten described as a flat performance in their 38-6 thumping by Manly last Thursday to post their fifth win in six games.
It took 12 minutes of magic to help North Queensland create a 14-point advantage when they scored three late tries to round off the first half.
Cronulla emerged from the break with a renewed purpose, and despite scoring four tries, the Cowboys matched that effort to seal an entertaining victory.
Back-rower Jeremiah Nanai returned from shoulder surgery, but winger Murray Taulagi upstaged his comeback, scoring a hat-trick and posting three line-breaks for the home team.
History was with the Sharks, who had won 14 of their past 16 encounters against the Cowboys.
Despite also being boosted by the return of co-captain Cameron McInnes (ACL), Cronulla’s leaky defence proved costly.
Fullback Will Kennedy was typically busy (150 metres, five tackle busts), while Nicho Hynes was instrumental with three try assists and two line-breaks.
It took less than four minutes for the Cowboys to open the scoring when Drinkwater stormed over, but Siosifa Talakai crossed to help the visitors equalise.
Moments later, Talakai bagged his second after some silky hands from his teammates, before North Queensland hit back when Taulagi scored off the back of a Toby Rudolf error.
Taulagi rolled over the line to put the Cowboys back in front, before Reed Mahoney and Braidon Burns rewarded their side’s energetic pace to create a 26-12 halftime lead.
The Sharks had a glimmer of hope when Oregon Kaufusi offloaded at the ball to Blayke Brailey, who flopped over the line, but Taulagi grabbed a third try to extend the Cowboys’ advantage.
Cronulla thrust themselves back into the contest again when KL Iro grabbed a double, before Soni Luke scuttled over in the 66th minute to open up an eight-point buffer.
After Drinkwater kicked a 40/20, Tom Dearden joined in on the action when he slipped through to score, before Iro and Heilum Luki crossed late.
