Matt Bowen could be only one game away from an Australian Test recall after a match-winning performance for North Queensland against the Wests Tigers.

The electrifying fullback scored a try and kicked the winning field goal in the final minute as the Cowboys rallied from 12 points behind midway through the second half to claim a miracle 25-24 NRL win over the gallant Tigers at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Bowen, who played his one and only Test in 2004, was instrumental in engineering the dramatic come-from-behind victory which maintained the Cowboys unbeaten start to 2007.

The win, though, may have come at a cost, with Kangaroos backrower Luke O'Donnell stretchered off in the first half with a serious hamstring injury likely to rule him out of the April 20 Test against New Zealand.

It left the Cowboys forward pack severely depleted coming on the back of last week's jaw fracture to Carl Webb and a gym mishap which forced out second-rower Steve Southern before kick-off.

Bowen, though, proved the home side's savour.

Inspired by five-eighth Benji Marshall, the Tigers looked headed for their first win of the season after shooting to a 24-12 lead midway through the second half.

Cowboys centre Ashley Graham, however, reduced the margin to six points with a 70-metre intercept try.

Bowen then levelled the game in the 75th minute with a spectacular individual try.

His run was a perfect combination of electrifying brilliance, anticipation and determination, with five defenders left scattered on the ground as he slammed the ball over the line after a standing start more than 20m out.

North Queensland coach Graham Murray said he would have no qualms in Bowen joining captain Johnathan Thurston in the Australian team for this month's Anzac Test after turning himself into the complete footballer.

"His defence has been outstanding and opposition sides have made breaks in every game this season and he has stopped them," said Murray, who admitted the Cowboys would not have won without Bowen.

"There is not a fullback in the competition who doesn't struggle under the high ball when under pressure and Matthew Bowen catches more than he drops.

"He is putting himself in the picture and there are a lot of good fullbacks around but he would definitely be in the mix, I have no doubt about that."

O'Donnell was forced to do the splits when opposing forwards Bryce Gibbs and Bronson Harrison tackled him midway through the opening half.

He stretched his left leg under their weight, with medicos unable to determine when he may be back on the field.

"He's torn a hamstring and it's very sore" Murray said.

"He doesn't come off much does he?"

Murray said he was extremely proud of his young forward pack for standing up to the pressure of leading a fightback whilst undermanned.

"I know Matty (Bowen) made a point of going up to a number of our forwards and thanked them for getting us up there before he just finished the game."

Tigers coach Tim Sheens had little to say in the after-match press conference, with his team's fourth loss, including two in the dying minutes, clearly upsetting the veteran coach.

"We let the game get away from us and didn't finish it so we have some issues within ourselves, a number of issues with the official and we played well enough to win the game," Sheens said.

"We are just going to have to re-address it this week and knuckle down and get ready for Cronulla next week."

Sheens may have more worries too, with second-rower Todd Payton placed on report late in the second half for a high shot on Cowboys centre Paul Bowman.

The tackle left Bowman with an injured eye as the Cowboys made their way up the field before Bowen's magical moment with five minutes to go.

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