North Queensland 12-26 Melbourne

Melbourne held off North Queensland to triumph 26-12 in a poor match in Townsville.

The Storm took the lead through Greg Inglis who ran in an interception try before Scott Bolton replied for the Cowboys when he tracked an inch-perfect kick from Aaron Payne. Cooper Cronk benefitted from some Billy Slater magic before John Williams crossed for the home side in the corner. Inglis and Chambers combined for Anthony Quinn to grab the final try of the half.

Quinn’s winger partner Steve Turner scored the Storm’s next try, although it was a controversial decision in a largely forgettable match.

Cowboys
Tries: Scott Bolton, John Williams
Goals: Johnathan Thurston 2
Storm
Tries: Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Anthony Quinn, Steve Turner
Goals: Cameron Smith 5