The West Tigers scored their first ever National Rugby League win in Townsville against an appalling North Queensland Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

The Tigers scored three tries to one in their 18-8 victory with winger Jason Moodie bagging a double.

The only problem for the Tigers out of the match was what appeared to be a serious left shoulder injury to Benji Marshall but the Cowboys, without a win from three matches, have plenty of problems.

Tries either side of halftime to Moodie and centre Shane Elford set the Tigers on their path to victory.

But it was Moodie's second try in the 53rd minute that typified the night.

Moodie raced 65 metres to score after his opposite number, Cowboys winger Ty Williams, knocked on an intercept attempt.

That try was converted by Brett Hodgson to make it 18-2 with 25 minutes remaining - which the Cowboys used to drop as much ball as possible.

West Tigers had let 8-2 at the break after Moodie scored his first in the 38th minute completing a slick movement with a 30-metre dash down the right flank.

The Tigers immediately extended their lead in the second half when they scored from their first set.

It was somewhat fortuitous with Elford grubber kicking from 25 metres out from the line and then taking advantage of a slip by Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen to score out wide.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP