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North Queensland’s season hit another low point on Saturday night as the Dolphins produced a highly efficient attacking display to turn a tight contest into a 40-14 demolition in front of the Townsville faithful. What had been a fiercely contested match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium was effectively blown apart after halftime, with Kristian Woolf’s side running away with the Round 14 encounter.
The Cowboys had every reason to believe they were in the fight after trailing just 16-10 at the break and cutting the margin to eight points early in the second half. But once the Dolphins found their rhythm through Isaiya Katoa, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo, the visitors surged clear, exposing North Queensland’s defensive frailties and leaving the home side searching for answers after conceding seven tries.
Dolphins Strike First
The Dolphins wasted little time taking control.
After early pressure and repeat possession, Selwyn Cobbo crossed in the sixth minute following a sharp attacking movement, with Jamayne Isaako converting for a 6-0 lead.
North Queensland responded through Murray Taulagi midway through the half. The winger finished a line break to narrow the gap to 6-4, although Jake Clifford’s conversion attempt drifted wide.
Momentum then swung firmly towards the Cowboys.
Tom Chester burst through for a try in the 20th minute and Clifford added the extras to put North Queensland ahead 10-6. At that stage the home crowd sensed an opportunity to build pressure on a Dolphins side that had struggled to hold possession during parts of the opening half hour.
Katoa Turns The Match
The Dolphins’ response was immediate and decisive.
Jamayne Isaako produced a line break and finished his own movement to level the scores before converting for a 12-10 lead.
Then, with halftime approaching, Isaiya Katoa delivered one of the defining moments of the contest. After sustained pressure and a Cowboys error close to their own line, the young halfback crossed in the 34th minute to extend the margin to 16-10.
While the scoreboard remained close, the momentum had clearly shifted.
Katoa’s influence continued to grow as the game wore on, with his kicking game repeatedly forcing the Cowboys onto the back foot and helping the Dolphins dominate field position.
Cowboys Briefly Threaten
Any hopes of a Cowboys comeback were reignited shortly after the break.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow struck first for the Dolphins in the 48th minute to push the margin to 22-10, but Chester answered with his second try of the night only four minutes later.
The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 22-14 and keeping North Queensland within touching distance.
For a brief period the contest remained alive.
Scott Drinkwater threatened with a line break and the Cowboys generated several attacking opportunities, but crucial handling errors and missed chances prevented them from applying sustained pressure.
Dolphins Finish Ruthlessly
The final quarter belonged entirely to the visitors.
Kurt Donoghoe sliced through in the 67th minute after a line break to make it 28-14 before Cobbo grabbed his second try of the night just four minutes later.
With the Cowboys chasing points, the Dolphins continued to find space around the ruck and on the edges.
Thomas Flegler added the final blow with less than two minutes remaining, crashing over after breaking the line himself. Isaako’s sixth conversion from seven attempts completed the scoring and sealed the emphatic 26-point victory.
The final margin reflected the Dolphins’ superiority in the decisive moments. While both teams created opportunities throughout the night, the visitors converted theirs far more efficiently, finishing with seven tries to three and punishing almost every defensive lapse the Cowboys offered.
Key Performers
Selwyn Cobbo was outstanding against his former Queensland rivals, scoring twice and constantly threatening whenever he touched the ball.
Katoa controlled the match superbly, producing a try, setting the tempo through his kicking game and repeatedly turning the Cowboys around.
Isaako finished with a try and six conversions, while Tabuai-Fidow added another reminder of his game-breaking speed.
For North Queensland, Chester’s double and Taulagi’s early four-pointer provided the highlights on an otherwise difficult evening.
The result strengthens the Dolphins’ push up the ladder, while the Cowboys are left to regroup after another disappointing result.
Published 6-June-2026
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