The Cowboys were all class at GIO Stadium in Canberra, suffocating the Raiders for territory in a season-best performance to win 34-16.

The Townsville spine were flawless, poking holes in Canberra’s line all night – stamping their victory in the first 40.

The Raiders were embarrassing and looked lost in attack, while the experience of the Cowboys’ playmakers was the difference.

Following a back and forth, end to end first period, Jordan Rapana showed early glimpses of his high energy, soaring high in an aerial contest, offloading to Emre Guler who was held up by Chad Townsend and Murray Taulagi.

Ethan Strange looked dangerous with his first touches, dancing around North Queensland’s defence – but it was a Cowboys parade for the rest of the first term.

Valentine Holmes showed his strength away from the pill, punching the ball out to save a certain Rapana try, who was over the line and in.

Todd Payten’s men were first to strike in the ninth minute. Veteran winger Kyle Feldt scored from a dicey bunker call which took near a half to decide. He stripped the ball from Rapana and crossed the chalk after a short-side kick from Chad Townsend.

Kaeo Weeks was exposed defensively when Heilum Luki skipped on by from a Tom Dearden short ball. The Raiders No.6 doubled up on errors, kicking it dead off the very next restart.

The Cowboys’ attack in the opposition 20 was simply too slick – Townsend and Dearden pulling the strings both left and right. It was Jeremiah Nanai next up, who was gifted a perfect bounce of the ball from a grubber to charge over.

Blues No.9 Reece Robson dictated terms with his speed and direct running from the ruck. Robson popped up everywhere across the field, making a strong statement for his game two Origin selection.

Griffin Neame proved a problem for the Raiders up the middle, with the blond brute wreaking havoc through aggressive hit-ups.

Scott Drinkwater had flashes of brilliance – throwing a trademark over the top pass to Kyle Feldt in the 28th minute, who provided a crazy finish for his second try.

At the 33rd minute mark, the Cowboys had only two errors. Yet, it was their gallant defensive efforts that deserved a write-up. An insane try saver from Sam McIntyre on Morgan Smithies capped off a terrific first 40.

At half-time the Cowboys strolled into the sheds with a commanding 22-0 lead, leaving fans worried for those part of the Green Machine – destined for a ribbing from coach Ricky Stuart.

It wasn’t until the 70th minute where the game opened up. Until then, the Raiders weren’t given any breathing space.

Rapana kept trying for the Raiders, slicing through in the 54th minute on the left edge for Canberra’s first points.

Robson reaped the rewards of his hard work after Thomas Mikaele found the hooker from an offload, with Robson linking up with Drinkwater for a breakaway team try.

Xavier Savage then went on to perform a superman finish in the left corner, but it was all in vain.