Cowboys' performance against Dragons shows under-fire coach Neil Henry still calling the shots

COWBOYS stars say their gutsy 22-16 defeat of the Dragons is evidence under-fire coach Neil Henry has not lost the support of the dressingroom.

Cowboys v Dragons

COWBOYS stars say their gutsy 22-16 defeat of the Dragons on Friday night is evidence under-fire coach Neil Henry has not lost the support of the dressingroom.

North Queensland's dismal first-half of their 2013 campaign, slumping to 15th with a 4-9 win-loss record, sparked queries as to whether Henry was extracting the best of his star-studded roster.

But after stonewalling St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium, leading Cowboys top-liners insist the problem has not been the coach but their own collective attitudes.

Rampaging back-rower Tariq Sims said the Cowboys found their "heart and soul" on Friday.

Henry's troops now enjoy a bye weekend in round 15 and they can move within striking distance of the top eight by defeating the Cronulla Sharks at home on Sunday week.

"We needed to lift for Neil and we showed we're playing for him out there (against the Dragons)," Sims said.

"There's been pressure on Neil but he prepares us to the best of his ability. As soon as we cross that white line, it's up to us as players.

"It has been a frustrating period, but as a group we had to take ownership and pride in our jumper.

"It was good to see the boys hang in there and we have to keep building on that. We still need to add some polish to our attack.

"It's halfway through the season but we're not gone yet.

"We have to keep our bums down, heads up and turn this season around."

The win was particularly sweet for Brent Tate (pictured), who exacted revenge with his 65th-minute try after falling over in the lead-up to Ben Creagh's try four minutes earlier.

"I'm glad I got that one back, I felt like a sniper got me and I was really pissed off," said Tate, recalling the moment Josh Dugan stepped past him for Creagh's four-pointer.

"When I got that try I thanked the heavens above.

"My knee literally got stuck in the ground and I just fell over.

"Thankfully I was able to make amends. It was a really gutsy effort.

"It was a win we needed, we have all been feeling the pressure and none more so than our coach."