LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs celebrated a hard-fought victory over the North Queensland Cowboys, winning 12-8 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Bulldog debutant Jethro Rinakama made a significant impact, scoring a try and amassing 207 running metres.
Jacob Preston also contributed to the win, marking his 50th NRL appearance with a try.
The match began intensely, with the Cowboys taking an early lead through Zac Laybutt, who scored the first try.
Scott Drinkwater's conversion put the Cowboys ahead 6-0.
They extended their lead further when the Bulldogs were penalized for an escort involving Bronson Xerri.
However, the Bulldogs found their rhythm just before halftime.
In a surge, they scored back-to-back tries to take a 12-8 lead into the break.
"A perfectly-weighted grubber from Matt Burton set up Preston," and shortly after, "Enari Tuala put Rinakama over in the corner," sealing a successful debut for the young player and securing the team's victorious return to form.