The Cowboys secured a dramatic 22-22 draw against the Dolphins at Barlow Park in Cairns, thanks to a try by Laitia Moceidreke at the final buzzer.
Despite the Dolphins seemingly being on the verge of victory after rallying back in the game, the Cowboys struck late to level the score, although Zac Laybutt’s conversion attempt from out wide missed.
Jack Bostock and Isaiya Katoa shone for Wayne Bennett’s side, while Tom Chester and Thomas Duffy impressed for the Cowboys.
The Dolphins started strong, with a grubber from Anthony Milford finding its way to Jack Bostock for a spectacular try just inside the line. But Moceidreke quickly responded for the Cowboys, with Duffy converting a precise kick from Ben Hampton.
Robert Derby intercepted a pass from Katoa and ran the length of Barlow Park to score twice in the first half, giving the Cowboys an 18-4 lead. Katoa assisted Lachlan Hubner with a try just before halftime, reducing the deficit to 18-10.
After serving a sin bin, Milford made an immediate impact by producing a perfectly weighted kick which was snared by Brenton Baira, cutting the gap to two.
However, late errors cost the Cowboys the chance to seal the win and the Dolphins took the lead in the 72nd minute through Mason Teague. Moceidreke’s late try on full-time secured the draw for the two Queensland sides.
