North Queensland's ominous early-season form has continued with the Cowboys scoring a comprehensive 43-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters in Townsville.

The home side dominated from start to finish, running in seven tries to one to record their biggest-ever victory against the Roosters and back up their impressive win over Brisbane in last week's Queensland derby.

The Roosters suffered disruptions in the lead-up with a toe injury to halfback Josh Lewis meaning Braith Anasta joined debutant Mitchell Pearce in the halves as part of a host of changes.

The Roosters came to Townsville seeking their 1000th premiership win but were hit by a whirlwind in the form of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen, with the new Cowboys captain bagging two tries and six goals in a 20-point performance.

Jason Smith showed he is going to be invaluable as a playmaker for the home side after setting up two of the Cowboys tries in the first half to help establish an 18-6 half-time lead.

His deft kicks and cut-out passes had the Roosters mesmerised on the left-hand side of the field, with Brenton Bowen benefiting from his magic for a try double.

The only sour note came during the second half when a severe ankle sprain saw Smith head for the showers early.

It was only the Cowboys third win over the Roosters in 20 encounters, and was also North Queensland's biggest in 12 seasons against the Sydney club.

Adding further insult, three Roosters were put on report - David Shillington, Danny Nutley and Mickey Paea - with Paea's forearm on Matty Bowen reminiscent of last week's incident involving Sonny Bill Williams and Andrew Johns.

The visitors were opened up on several occasions during the match as Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen continued to work over their forwards in the middle of the field.

Working behind a forward pack that clearly outmuscled their opponents, both Thurston and Bowen found holes in the Roosters defence with coach Chris Anderson abandoning his trial of using only one marker.

The Queensland State of Origin pair both scored two tries, with each appearing to want to impress the other with the magnitude of their skills.

Bowen's chip and chase late in the second half summarised the evening for the Sydney Roosters with his dropped ball hitting the end of his foot and sitting up in the in-goal area to help the Cowboys crack the 40-point mark.

An Aaron Payne field goal rubbed more salt into the wound just before full-time.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP