LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Sharks were left tasting defeat as they fell short to the Cowboys in Townsville in a fierce Rugby League battle.
Kyle Feldt showed his skills by scoring a hat-trick, leading the Cowboys to victory despite losing star players Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter to injuries.
The Cowboys showed true grit and determination, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Taumalolo's departure from the field due to a suspected cheekbone fracture was a blow to the Cowboys, but they rallied together to secure a crucial win.
The Cowboys' last home victory against the Sharks dated back to 2018, making this win even sweeter for the North Queensland team.
With this win, the Cowboys have kept their top four hopes alive and are now just two points behind the third-placed Sharks.
Todd Payten's men still have a bye to come, giving them a chance to rest and regroup for the remainder of the season.
The Cowboys were boosted by the return of Maroons Origin winger Murray Taulagi, who made an immediate impact by opening the scoring early in the match.
Despite this setback, the Sharks fought back with a try from Kiwis international Ronaldo Mulitalo, thanks to a brilliant play orchestrated by rookie fullback Liam Ison and Braydon Trindall.
The match continued to be intense, with Maroons strike second-rower Jeremiah Nanai breaking through the defence off a Drinkwater pass to put the Cowboys in the lead.
It was a thrilling game filled with ups and downs, showcasing the competitive spirit of Rugby League in all its glory.