<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>341439</docID> <postdate>2025-03-29 23:25:26</postdate> <headline>Raiders downed as Cowboys crack first NRL win</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-341440" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/raiders-v-cowbots-resized.jpeg" alt="" width="900" height="507" /></p> <caption>The Cowboys have defeated Canberra in Townsville to finally get their season up and running. Photo: NRL Photos</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Melissa Woods</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Jake Clifford has tightened his grip on North Queensland's halfback jersey, scoring a maiden NRL career double to help the Cowboys to their first victory of the NRL season.</strong></p> <p>The 27-year-old was instrumental as North Queensland ran in 22 unanswered points to build their lead over Canberra before sealing a rousing 30-20 victory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.</p> <p>"We had some anxious moments, but I'm really proud of the team and the club and how we've stuck together as I guess it's been a difficult three weeks," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.</p> <p>"And tonight we won off the back of our D (defence) - a real gritty performance.</p> <p>"We defended with 12 men there in the second half and there was a couple of big plays made at the end... so pleased about the desire and the want to make things happen."</p> <p>Clifford returned to Townsville in 2024 after stints at Newcastle and Super League club Hull FC, but only managed eight games last year season.</p> <p>Following off-season hernia surgery, he started the year in the Queensland Cup with youngster Thomas Duffy given the first opportunity at No.7.</p> <p>But Clifford got his chance last round against Brisbane before helping the Cowboys snap their three-game losing streak in Saturday's twilight clash.</p> <p>Joseph Tapine got his team off to the best possible start, spinning his way to a 10th-minute try however the Raiders skipper, in his first game back from suspension, was put on report for an alleged chicken-wing tackle midway through the half.</p> <p>After a Canberra penalty goal, Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi started a try-scoring spree with three within eight minutes, including Clifford's two.</p> <p>The Cairns product, who has been linked with a return to the UK, came up trumps after a dropped ball by Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes and then charged on to a booming Tom Dearden kick for his second.</p> <p>That set up a 16-8 halftime lead for the hosts, which was soon out to 22-8 with PNG winger Robert Derby crossing for his first ever NRL try.</p> <p>Canberra, who were coming off a disappointing loss to Manly, kept fighting with Xavier Savage leaping high for a spectacular four-pointer.</p> <p>The visitors closed to a four-point deficit when they took advantage of a Coen Hess sin bin for repeated team infringements to send winger Savelio Tamale across the line in the 63rd minute.</p> <p>Corey Horsburgh then joined his skipper Tapine in going on report for a dangerous tackle, while earlier in the game Josh Papalii went on twice in two minutes for alleged high shots.</p> <p>Scott Drinkwater nailed the Horsburgh penalty and then Savage blew a chance for his team to draw level by ignoring a wide-open Owen Pattie after making a break.</p> <p>Cowboys captain Dearden iced the win with five minutes remaining with some individual brilliance, splitting the defence for their fifth try of the night.</p> <p>"I thought our attack was poor tonight," a disappointed Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said.</p> <p>"I think they were prepared to probably work longer in the game than we were."</p> <p>He refused to point the finger at any individuals including youngster Weekes, who had an unhappy game.</p> <p>"Kaeo is a very talented football player and I've got no dramas whatsoever with him," Stuart said of the 23-year-old.</p> <p>"If there's a fullback out there that's never spilled a ball I don't know them... all he needs to know he's got the coach's confidence, he's our fullback, he's a great player and I know he's got the support of the whole group."</p> </body>