North Queensland leapfrogged South Sydney into sixth position on the NRL ladder after fullback Scott Drinkwater had another influential display in a 30-18 win over the Rabbitohs.
The talented custodian, bound for St George Illawarra next year, set up three crucial first-half tries to put the hosts on the front foot in Townsville.
The Cowboys pack - superbly led by Jason Taumalolo, Matt Lodge and Thomas Mikaele up front - were key to the victory.
The Rabbitohs were playing for the first time since the tragic news that forward Jai Arrow was battling motor neurone disease (MND) had become public knowledge.
Both sides were without key players due to State of Origin and injury, but still turned on a highly competitive match.
