New Zealand Warriors 37-26 North Queensland: Warriors beat Cowboys in thriller

New Zealand Warriors beat North Queensland 37-26 in a thrilling match at Central Coast Stadium.

Patrick Herbert gave the Warriors the lead before Valentine Holmes levelled the score in the 15th minute.

Kyle Feldt edged North Queensland in front midway through the first half but the score was tied once more as Eliesa Katoa went over for the Warriors.

A try from Peta Hiku and a drop goal from Kodi Nikorima gave the Warriors a 17-12 lead at the break.

Justin O’Neill pulled one back for the Cowboys shortly after the second half restart before Adam Pompey touched down for the Warriors in the 47th minute, Warriors 21-16 Cowboys.

Francis Molo edged Paul Green’s Cowboys in front just moments later but their lead didn’t last long as Hiku scored two more tries to complete his hat-trick. Stephen Kearney’s Warriors were 31-22 to the good after 66 minutes.

Karl Lawton extended the Warriors’ lead before Feldt got his second for the Cowboys six minutes from time.

With one minute left on the clock, Cowboys centre Esan Marsters was sin-binned for a professional foul. Nikorima added a penalty goal to seal a 37-26 win for his side.

New Zealand Warriors: Tuivasa-Sheck; Herbert, Beale, Hiku, Pompey; Nikorima, Green; Taunoa-Brown, Egan, Burr, Katoa, Harris, Blair. Subs: Lawton, Faamausili, Vuniyayawa, Murchie.

Tries: Herbert, Katoa, Hiku (3), Pompey, Lawton Goals: Nikorima 4/7, Herbert 0/1 Drop Goals: Nikorima 1

North Queensland: Holmes; Feldt, O’Neill, Marsters, Tabuai-Fidow; Drinkwater, Clifford; McLean, Robson, McGuire, Dunn, Hess, Taumalolo. Subs: Molo, Cotter, Gilbert, Cooper.

Tries: Holmes, Feldt (2), O’Neill, Molo Goals: Feldt 3/5

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