Newcastle matched the clock with points for the first 60 minutes against North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium, yet Knights coach Michael Hagan thinks they can get better.

That will be the warning ringing around the NRL after Newcastle's 60-24 demolition of the Cowboys.

The Knights scored 10 converted tries before Test stars Andrew Johns and Ben Kennedy were rested for the final 20 minutes of the match.

"We're still finding our feet a bit at the moment," Hagan said.

"We (can) still do things better. I think our defence over 80 minutes can be better than that.

"Some of the first half football was outstanding and the skill on show was very good."

The Knights ran riot in the first half to lead 48-0 at the break and when Johns and Kennedy were taken from the field it was 60-6 with 20 minutes left.

Newcastle just rolled over the top of the Cowboys from the opening minutes when Kennedy scored underneath the posts.

Within 17 minutes the Knights had a 24-0 lead after tries to props Josh Perry and Matt and Kurt Gidley and the two competition points secure.

The Knights continued to match the clock with winger Adam MacDougall scoring the first of his hat-trick after 27 minutes.

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