Injuries no problem as Cowboys storm away

THE class of 2017 graduated with flying colours for North Queensland as the injury-hit Cowboys held out the Gold Coast Titans for a 32-26 win in last night’s NRL clash.

Backrower Coen Hess — just 20 — showed why he has already been earmarked for a Queensland State of Origin spot after just five NRL starts, crossing for two barnstorming tries.

Fullback Kalyn Ponga — only 18 — helped co-captain Johnathan Thurston spark a depleted Cowboys backline, crossing for his maiden NRL try in front of a crowd of 17,647 at Cbus Super Stadium.

For good measure, Ponga had a hand in setting up a firsthalf four-pointer for 19-yearold debutant Gideon GelaMosby.

Then again, North Queensland needed something special after Test centre Justin O’Neill was this week added to a Cowboys injury list that already features prop Matt Scott, fullback Lachlan Coote and winger Antonio Winterstein.

They were also without reigning Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo, who is serving a suspension for a shoulder charge.

However, North Queensland still bounced back from last round’s 30-8 loss to Manly.

In just his 12th NRL game, Hess was unstoppable near the line, muscling over for tries in the 61st and 71st minutes.

It marked North Queensland’s first win on the Gold Coast since Round 20, 2011. They may have worn out their welcome with the win but North Queensland aren’t leaving any time soon.

The Cowboys were told before kickoff that all flights to Townsville today had been cancelled with a cyclone expected to cross the Queensland coast near Townsville on Tuesday morning.