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.