NRL round 8 LIVE: Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos, North ...

North Queensland has just scored back to back and it’s game back on!

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has crashed over from close range. The supporters up in Townsville went deathly quiet when their team conceded two tries right on half-time, but they have found their voice now.

The Cowboys are back in this.Credit: Getty

The score now is Penrith 24, Cowboys 14.

Can the Cows keep their momentum going?

Wow, this could get ugly.

I was so impressed with the application the Cowboys showed in the opening half, but they allowed two late tries … and now they have conceded a soft one early in the second stanza.

Semi Valemei has spilled a Nathan Cleary bomb and Liam Martin was on the spot to pounce on the loose football to score.

The Panthers are beginning to overpower the Cowboys.Credit: Getty

North Queensland need to regroup fast.

The score has now blown out to 24-4.

A fast start is imperative if the Cowboys are to get back into this.

Here’s a look at the try to Dylan Edwards. It was interesting to see Ivan Cleary’s reaction in the coach’s box … he loves his underrated fullback.

I reckon there’s every chance he could be picked on the wing for NSW. It’s a role he has aced for the Kangaroos and each week he makes a compelling case for a State of Origin debut.

Well, this is the reason Penrith has won the last three titles.

Even when things go against them - North Queensland had 52 per cent of possession and completed 15 of 16 sets - the champions just find a way.

A couple of quick tries just before the half-time break has blown this game wide open.

The final one was scored by Paul Alamoti, a suprise late inclusion at the expense of Sunia Turuva. I’ll be fascinated to hear coach Ivan Cleary’s explanation for the sacking … was it because he signed with a rival club?

For mine, this has been the Cowboys’ best 40 minutes of football all year, and yet they are behind on the scoreboard.

Can they hit back?

This is just soooooo Penrith.

North Queensland has had all of the football, yet the Panthers will go into the sheds with a huge lead.

This is a heartbreaker for the Cowboys. With just a few seconds left on the clock, they have thrown an intercept pass to Paul Alamoti, who has streaked away to score.

Paul Alamoti has scored a crucial try.Credit: Getty

The Panthers go into the sheds with an 18-4 advantage.

Well, this has come totally against the run of play.

Penrith’s Mitch Kenny has changed the momentum with a cracking tackle, which dislodged the ball from Valentine Holmes.

The huge play gave the Panthers the Steeden in good field position and they have taken full advantage.

Dylan Edwards has handed the Panthers the lead.Credit: Getty

Dylan Edwards has just scored for Penrith, who somehow hold a 12-4 lead due to their outstanding defence.

Penrith has had to produce some exceptional scrambling defence to retain their lead.

Dylan Edwards came up with a try-saver, as have some of his teammates. The premiers have had to work hard after some uncharacteristic errors, including a dropped ball from Nathan Cleary.

Surprise inclusion Paul Alamoti on the charge.Credit: Getty

The Cowboys haven’t been able to capitalise on all the possession they have enjoyed … and now Tom Chester has just come to the sideline due to injury.