North Queensland has scored a thrilling 23-16 win over Canterbury in Townsville after scoring two tries in the final 10 minutes.

The Cowboys took a 12-0 lead into half-time after tries to five-eighth Michael Morgan and winger Matthew Wright were converted by Johnathan Thurston.

The Bulldogs struck back in the 51st minute when Josh Jackson awarded a try by the video referee despite the back rower making a second movement after his ball-carrying arm hit the ground.

Three minutes later, half-back Trent Hodkinson squared the ledger at 12-12 after Corey Thompson touched down despite the attention of the North Queensland defence.

The hosts then went behind for the first time when Thurston fired an ill-advised cut-out pass almost directly into the waiting hands of former team-mate Curtis Rona, who raced 80 metres to score.

But back rower Gavin Cooper levelled the scores in the 71st minute, before Morgan was awarded his second try as the Cowboys went the length of the field.

Thurston slotted a late field goal after Canterbury’s kick-off failed to go the required 10 metres and that was enough.

More to come.