The Dolphins defeated the Cowboys 40-14, with late tries sealing the game despite a spirited comeback attempt from Texas.
The Dolphins withstood a thrilling comeback attempt to beat the Cowboys 40-14 in a Queensland Day blockbuster in Townsville.
A sublime Jake Clifford 40/20 inspired a second-half surge but 20 minutes of pressure only amounted to one try and the Dolphins put the game beyond reach once momentum swung back in their favour.
Three tries in the final 15 minutes, including a barnstorming effort from Tully Tigers junior Tom Flegler, created a lopsided scoreboard which didn't accurately reflect the tight contest.
Wingers Selwyn Cobbo and Jamayne Isaako carved up the Cowboys edges, combining for three tries to make it five wins in a row for the Dolphins.
North Queensland's defence was markedly better than the round 13 horror show in Canberra but questions remain about the squad's resilience.