North Queensland went into full scale party mode after the Cowboys put a defensive vice on Brisbane to win their NRL semi-final blockbuster 10-0 at a delirious Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Playing as if their lives depended on it, the Cowboys refused to let Brisbane cross their line in a magnificent defensive effort of grand final proportions.

The confident Cowboys, who had won five of their last seven games, fed off an electrified crowd of 24,989 fans who cheered every tackle and every metre made by their heroes.

Five-eight David Myles scored the only try of the match off a deft Matt Bowen grubber but he needed the green light from video referees Graeme West and Mick Stone.

Centre Josh Hannay kicked three goals to complete the 10-0 shut out.

Cowboys halfback Nathan Fien, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, continued his wonderful late season form while Bowen had the big crowd up on their feet with each touch of the football.

Again the Cowboys' no frills pack served it up to Brisbane, prop Paul Rauhihi's off-loads causing Brisbane no end of headaches.

The game started dramatically when Broncos captain Gorden Tallis, born in Townsville, failed to take the field.

Darren Lockyer led Brisbane onto the field with Tallis heading straight to the bench.

Tallis then headed back down the tunnel to the dressing room for some treatment even before the game kicked off.

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