North Queensland Cowboys have claimed one of the biggest scalps for their first ever win in the NRLW competition.
The new franchise showed its stout-hearted qualities with a spirited 31-20 victory over reigning premiers Newcastle last Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground.
Trailing 20-12, the Cowboys staged a remarkable comeback with four second half tries to bury the star-studded Knights.
Earlier, 18-year-old NSW half back Jesse Southwell engineered tries for Sheridan Gallagher and Shanice Parker as Newcastle jumped to a 10-0 lead after eight minutes.
The Mackay Cutters connection of hooker Emma Manzelmann and centre Jasmine Peters combined for the Cowboys opening try before winger Jetaya Faifua crossed to level the scores.
Jillaroos utility Kirra Dibb produced a standout performance to inspire the North Queensland team.
The crafty playmaker booted a penalty goal to give the Cowboys a 12-10 lead at the interval; potted a field goal to snap a 20-all deadlock midway through the second half and created two of North Queensland’s final three tries.
When Cowboys forward April Ngatunpuna was sin-binned for a shoulder charge the Newcastle side took full advantage with Gallagher and prop Rima Butler crashing over for tries to open up an eight-point lead.
But in a dramatic twist the North Queensland women took control by scoring an incredible four tries in the final 14 minutes – including a double to winger Vitalina Naikore – to record an amazing win.
Second-rower for the Newcastle Knight Caitlan Johnston
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