The Cowboys' little men shared the on-field glory but it was their big forwards who were showered in praise following North Queensland's 42-14 NRL defeat of West Tigers.

The Cowboys' five-man attacking unit led by Johnathan Thurston and including Travis Burns, Aaron Payne, Matt Bowen and Grant Rovelli pulled the strings to engineer the seven tries to three victory on Saturday night.

But captain Thurston, who slotted a perfect seven from seven with the boot, heaped praise on the Cowboys engine room as the catalyst for their first win of the season.

"I think our forwards laid a platform," Thurston said.

"Our halves got on the back of it when we started having effective kicks pinning them down in the corner.

"We got back to back sets and we were able to score points. The little blokes can't do their work if the forwards aren't laying a platform."

North Queensland coach Neil Henry praised his forward pack.

"Eighty minute players like Ben Harris and Luke O'Donnell they are tireless players," said Henry.

"Luke had some strong carries and he worked very hard defensively so there is a lot to look forward to.

"Antonio Kaufusi was strong, Troncy (Shane Tranc) as well our starting front rowers and Payney playing forward is very dangerous as well."

Henry reserved special mention for Carl Webb who returned to form with a try after an unhappy night against the Broncos last week.

"It was pleasing to see him get his strong carries and a bit of footwork there and control the ball," said Henry.

"He was as disappointed as anyone else last week when he had a few errors in his game and he has concentrated all week and turned up and played some good football tonight."

The Cowboys expect Ash Graham to be sidelined for two weeks after re-injuring his groin however Steve Southern is a chance of returning from shoulder surgery next week.

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