Cowboys Win 35-31 vs Broncos After Last Minute Try in Queensland

The Cowboys beat the Broncos 35-31, with a try in the last minute deciding the game. This is a close score, showing how tight the competition is.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS secured a dramatic win over the BRISBANE BRONCOS, clinching the Queensland derby 35-31. The decisive moment arrived with a last-minute try, sealing a thrilling contest that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle. The Cowboys' victory was punctuated by a crucial penalty on halfway, followed by a Broncos knock-on during the ensuing contest, giving the Cowboys a significant advantage in their final set.

The Cowboys' victory over the Broncos, by a score of 35-31, was ultimately decided by a try scored in the dying moments of the match, underscoring the razor-thin margins in top-tier rugby league. This close finish followed a period where the Broncos were forced into a seven-tackle set after the late-game turnover.

Luki ends thrilling derby in style - 1

In a separate, yet resonant event, Heilum Luki, a player for the Cowboys, made a notable return from injury. Luki scored a try in North Queensland's pre-season trial match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, a game the Cowboys won 34-30. This trial appearance, occurring earlier this year on February 7, 2026, marked Luki's first steps back onto the field after an extended period sidelined by injury, aiming to regain match fitness ahead of the upcoming season.

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Background Threads

The NRL season, which kicked off in early March 2026, has seen various teams grappling with early-season form. The St. George Illawarra Dragons, for instance, have endured a difficult start, recording their sixth consecutive loss against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the same round of fixtures as the Cowboys-Broncos derby. This pattern of early-season struggles, particularly for teams like the Dragons, provides a backdrop against which the Cowboys' late-game triumph can be viewed.

The return of Heilum Luki from injury, as detailed in reports from February 7, 2026, adds another layer to the Cowboys' narrative. His successful try-scoring return in the trial against the Bulldogs signifies a positive development for the team, especially considering the impact injuries can have on a player's and a club's season trajectory. This resilience and player recovery are often pivotal factors in a team's overall performance throughout a demanding league campaign.

Read More: Dragons Lose Close Game to Manly Sea Eagles 22-18 in Wollongong

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Cowboys win against the Broncos on October 4, 2026?
The North Queensland Cowboys won a close game against the Brisbane Broncos with a final score of 35-31. The winning try was scored in the very last minute of the match.
Q: What was the final score of the Queensland derby between the Cowboys and Broncos?
The North Queensland Cowboys defeated the Brisbane Broncos with a final score of 35-31.
Q: Did Heilum Luki play in the Cowboys vs. Broncos game?
The article mentions Heilum Luki returned from injury and scored a try in a pre-season trial match on February 7, 2026, but does not confirm his participation in the October 4, 2026 match.
Q: How did the Broncos lose the game against the Cowboys?
The Broncos were forced into a seven-tackle set after a turnover late in the game, and then a knock-on during the following play gave the Cowboys the ball back for a final scoring chance.
Q: What is the background of the NRL season for teams like the Dragons?
The St. George Illawarra Dragons have had a tough start to the 2026 NRL season, losing their sixth game in a row against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.