North Queensland's old spirit has returned, according to coach Paul Green.
The Cowboys got their season back on track on Friday after surviving a second-half onslaught from Penrith to claim a sorely-needed 26-20 victory.
Having lost six of their previous seven matches leading into the game in Bathurst, North Queensland watched a 20-point lead evaporate to four with 30 minutes remaining against the Panthers.
It was the Cowboys' big names who stood up in a frenetic second half, with co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott, as well as forward Jason Taumalolo, inspiring the team to victory.
Thurston scored 14 points, including the game-sealing try and penalty goal, while Taumalolo finished with a game-high 233 metres and seven tackle busts.
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Green admits it was arguably the Cowboys' best performance of the season.
"It's hard to say not. There was definitely a noticeable improvement in terms of the old Cowboys spirit being back," Green said.
The coach said some individuals would have previously failed to back each other up.
"And that's not because we don't care or there's any issues. It's just when you lack a bit of confidence and something goes against you sometimes," he said.
"You just need a spark to get that happening and I thought it happened there tonight. When we were really challenged, I thought the boys really stick together and it's really good to see."
Scott, who produced a number of crucial tackles and carries, said Taumalolo had been one of their most consistent performers throughout the opening nine rounds.
"It's very hard for (Taumalolo) to get big metres and do what he used to do when we're not going well as a team, but he's been tremendous for us," Scott said.
"I thought he was outstanding tonight, very hard to tackle, got us on the front foot a lot of the times in those sets. That's just what he brings to the side.
"He's been criticised for his form being down a bit but he's been working really hard."
The Cowboys will base themselves in Sydney next week ahead of Thursday's clash against Wests Tigers.
