Jake Clifford's bid to win a North Queensland NRL starting jersey has gathered momentum after an eye-catching performance against Gold Coast.
The 21-year-old scored late in Saturday evening's game to complete a hat-trick of tries in a 22-16 trial win for the Cowboys.
His overall skills will compound coach Paul Green's decision over who should take over Johnathan Thurston's halfback role.
More than 10,000 people crammed into at Sunshine Coast Stadium to watch an intriguing audition from contenders Clifford and Te Maire Martin.
Martin looks to be the safer, more experienced option, and was earmarked last week by Green as the man for the job.
But, against the Titans, Clifford showed he had an X-factor that was difficult to contain.
His kicking at times let him down, but his size - 184cm tall and weighing 95kg - and speed make an irresistible package.
Clifford used his bulk to score two tries from close range, while the other was a 70m dash after a Gold Coast mistake.
Both clubs are looking to reinvent themselves this season with new playmaking partnerships.
Martin, Clifford and Ben Hampton are in the mix to partner Michael Morgan at the Cowboys, while Tyrone Roberts' Super League return has him in contention to play five-eighth alongside half Ash Taylor at Gold Coast.
Roberts had few opportunities to impress in a first half dominated, territorially at least, by North Queensland.
Despite a strong wind at their backs, the Titans spent most of the half fighting to exit their own end after a promising start from the Cowboys' pack.
North Queensland started with international trio Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean, and all three looked in commanding form.
Bryce Cartwright had a mixed start in his mission to reclaim a spot in the Titans' back row.
He threw a risky pass that was intercepted but, just minutes later, popped a perfectly judged inside ball that created the hole for a try to fullback Jesse Arthars.
The brightest spot for Titans coach Garth Brennan was the form of hooker Mitch Rein who was busy and had a hand in two tries.
