Wests Tigers started their season off on the right foot, downing North Queensland 22-10 in an NRL trial match in Townsville on Friday night.

Played in atrocious conditions, the Tigers' young forward pack dug in and led the way at Brothers Rugby League club in Kirwan.

Last year's preliminary finalists had to overcome the pouring rain and a second-half comeback from the Cowboys to register the win in front of 4000 hardy locals.

Most importantly for coach Tim Sheens, the Tigers escaped without any major injury concerns, Rhys Curran's loose tooth the only setback.

The visitors fielded a young side, captained by promising five-eighth Sean Meaney and also featuring new buy Matt Utai in the centres.

Their forward pack boasted six under 20s players and the rookies impressed the coaching staff with a committed and tight defensive display.

Wests got off to a flying start when Meaney crossed in the 19th minute courtesy of a Jacob Miller grubber kick which was fumbled by ex-Tiger Shannon Gallant.

The Tigers were over again in the 36th minute when Jake Clarke finished off a length of the field kick return from Fijian winger Alipate Noilea.

North Queensland struck back with two second half tries, both set-up by hooker and captain Clint Amos.

The 27-year-old journeyman Amos, who is back-up to first-choice No.9 Aaron Payne, threw an inside ball for second rower Dylan Smith to score, before firing a sharp face ball out for lock Joel Reithmuller to cross and cut the Tigers' lead to 12-10.

However, the Tigers ensured they would return to Sydney with the points, when back-rower Matt Ryan cashed in on another strong break from Noilea.

The result was sealed right on fulltime when a cross-field kick from halfback Miller saw winger Sam Latu dive over.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry fielded first graders Gallant, Amos, Michael Bani, Ray Thompson in his side, as well as promising new buys Ben Jones, Tariq Sims and Kalifa Faifai Loa.

The Tigers will next trial against Parramatta next Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Ground.

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