NZ Warriors finish off Cowboys 24-14

The North Queensland Cowboys have extended their losing streak to 10 consecutive games after being defeated by the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL clash at Mt Smart Stadium.

The injury-plagued Cowboys rarely looked dangerous, going down 24-14 in slippery conditions.

After being crushed by the Cowboys by 28 points in round six, the Warriors turned things around on home turf, dominating in most facets of play.

Warriors centre Sonny Fai snared the opening points, when he pushed away a cover tackle from Cowboys captain Jonathan Thurston to score a try down the wing at the 16-minute mark.

The Warriors took their second try after 26 minutes when halfback Grant Rovelli threw a pass to winger Aidan Kirk who broke through the Cowboys defence to score.

Although the Cowboys rarely looked dangerous they scored a try just seconds before halftime, when hooker Aaron Payne kicked a grubber that snuck behind the Warriors defence, allowing winger John Williams to bag a try and leave them in the contest down 8-4 at the break.

The Cowboys scored just five minutes into the second half, with Williams taking his second try following a chip kick.

Thurston's conversion of the try give the visitors a sniff of victory - but it didn't last.

The Warriors were quick to reply after interchange Jerome Ropati pushed through a tackle from Cowboy Ben Harris, regaining the lead to see the Warriors ahead 12-10.

Another Warriors try, to Simon Mannering after a superb pass from halfback Grant Rovelli saw the lead jump to 8 points.

Warriors lock Micheal Luck scored a try with eight minutes to go to put the game beyond doubt, in front of a crowd of almost 8,000.