New Cowboys coach Paul Green has unveiled a one-two punch capable of terrorising NRL defences as his side recorded a comfortable 32-8 win over the Broncos in their trial match at Redcliffe.
Despite the Broncos posting first points through Dragons recruit Daniel Vidot in the sixth minute, it was the sheer power of Tariq Sims and Jason Taumalolo on the right and left edges respectively that caused the Brisbane defence continual headaches during their various stints on the park.
Sims scored twice and was denied a third while Taumalolo also scored in the first half as the Cowboys went on with a 16-4 half-time lead to run out convincing winners.
The Broncos' woes may have been compounded in the closing minutes with Jordan Kahu assisted from the field with a knee injury, the 23-year-old heading for scans for a possible torn ACL having already had to endure two knee reconstructions prior to making his NRL debut last year.
But it appears to be all good news for the Cowboys who without Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Brent Tate quickly reversed an early 4-0 deficit and conceded just one more try in the 58th minute to Jayden Nikorima.
They levelled the scores through Taumalolo's try after 18 minutes and then further four-pointers to Sims and Cameron King gave them a 10-point lead at the break.
Under-20s graduates Patrick Kaufusi and Zac Santo scored after the break before Sims's second rounded out the scoring.
In addition to the back-rowers, Ashton Sims was a tower of power up front, ex-Dragon Cameron King and Anthony Mitchell both impressed at hooker and Lachlan Coote showed encouraging signs at the back.
For the Broncos, Jharal Yow Yeh showed enough in his 50 minutes on the field that an NRL return is not beyond him while props Martin Kennedy and Jon Green were strong.
Dale Copley also looked impressive in his return from 12 months out but left the field with concussion midway through the second half.
Dale Copley also looked impressive in his return from 12 months out but left the field with concussion midway through the second half.
Cowboys 32 (T Sims 2, Taumalolo, King, Kaufusi, Santo tries; Coote, Feldt 3 goals) def. Broncos 8 (Vidot, J Nikorima tries) at Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe.
