NORTH Queensland last night proved they are genuine title contenders.

And then they ran out for the second half.

The Cowboys’ gutsy 32-20 victory over the Broncos in Townsville has set up a mouth-watering elimination final with reigning premiers the Roosters on Friday night.

If the Cowboys repeat their first half 24-0 demolition of the Broncos for 80 minutes, they will defeat the Roosters and any other team.

AS IT HAPPENED: CHECK OUT HOW THE ACTION UNFOLDED

GAME OVER FOR HOOK AND HIS BRONCOS

But, like South Sydney on Friday night, the Cowboys showed they are a good but not great team as they faded in the second 40 minutes as Justin Hodges almost engineered an amazing Brisbane comeback.

Cowboys fullback Michael Morgan was riding the bench for the Mackay Cutters 12 months ago, last night he scored his team’s crucial and ultimately match-winning try.

A 65th minute Morgan solo effort repelled a valiant Broncos fightback.

The Cowboys could be without backrow enforcer Tariq Sims for the Roosters game after he was put on report for a late and high hit on Hodges.

In the first half the Cowboys busted 20 tackles and made four line breaks, but they failed to crack the Broncos’ line again until there was only 15 minutes remaining.

The Cowboys’ skill level and attacking structure has been better than the Broncos’ since the opening month of the competition.

North Queensland’s set plays sing, while the Broncos’ groan.

Even in their opening set, the Cowboys’ slick backline sweeps confused their rivals and they threatened to score three times inside the first five minutes.

Backrower Gavin Cooper finally made the breakthrough, when he dummied past a flat-footed Ben Hunt to score.

By half-time, Cooper had a double and North Queensland possessed a match-winning four-try lead.

If only coach Paul Green could bottle that first half.

On a warm, humid night in Townsville, Broncos players had their hands on hips at the 15-minute mark.

They were their own worst enemies.

Corey Parker kicked out on the full, the Cowboys scored.

Hodges knocked on 5m out from his own line, the Cowboys scored.

In front of 25,124 people in Townsville, the Cowboys repaid the faith of their supporters.

North Queensland deserved last night’s impressive victory, as it would have been cruel if their season ended in week one of the finals.

The Cowboys clash with the Roosters at Allianz Stadium promises to be epic.

Sydney will not allow the easy breaks the Broncos conceded in the first half.

The Cowboys thumped an understrength Roosters 42-10 in their lone clash this season.