Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus could find himself in trouble with the NRL judiciary after the Knights' 19-12 win over North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Buderus was reported by referee Paul Simpkins early in the second half for a high shot on Matt Bowen's jaw that left the Cowboys fullback dazed.

It was the only black mark against the Knights who broke a two-year drought without skipper Andrew Johns and snuffed North Queensland's faint finals hopes in the process.

Newcastle had not won without Johns, suspended for two games for swearing at an official, since September 4, 2004.

His replacement in the No.7 jersey, teenage sensation Jarrod Mullen, was outstanding in the playmaker's role and the Knights remained in contention for a top-four finish.

Mullen scored the match-winner, set up another and nailed a 78th minute field goal to ensure North Queensland, last year's grand finalist, would miss the finals for the first time since 2003.

The Cowboys were only a mathematical chance of extending their season into September prior to the match, needing three wins from their final three games as well as well as other favourable results.

Mullen, 19, broke the hearts of Cowboys fans, desperate to see their side break a three-game losing skid, when he barged through some feeble defence in the 56th minute.

The fleet-footed halfback left Justin Smith and Jacob Lillyman behind to touch down between the posts and stretch the margin to 18-6.

North Queensland, without injured representative quartet Johnathan Thurston, Paul Bowman, Ty Williams and Travis Norton, struck back with a late try to Smith but failed to inflict further damage on the scoreboard.

The Cowboys scored the opening try of the night before the Knights hit back with two tries in the final six minutes to winger Anthony Quinn.

His first came in the 34th minute from a slick backline movement after the Cowboys' right-side defence was caught short out wide.

His second came five minutes later after backing up a break down the sideline from Mullen.

Daniel Abraham's conversion made it 10-6 at halftime.

A rocket pass that cut out two Cowboys players from recalled halfback Brent McConnell set up the opening try for winger Neil Sweeney in the 16th minute.

Sweeney danced down the sideline to race on to the ball and cross in the corner.

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