Five things we learned about Cowboys in 32-26 win over Titans

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: Coen Hess is an Origin contender, Kalyn Ponga will be an NRL superstar but a fellow rookie must improve and more.

THE Cowboys claimed Queensland bragging rights in an entertaining clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast.

Here’s what we learned about Paul Green’s North Queensland outfit after the 32-26 triumph.

1. Coen Hess should be blooded in the Queensland Origin side. Without Matt Scott and Corey Parker, the Maroons need fresh blood this season and Hess would be a perfect addition to the bench. The 20-year-old, 114kg hulk terrorised the Titans, making seven tackle busts and scoring twice with brutal charges from close range.

2. Scott Bolton is playing the best football of his career. Bolton will never be able to replace Scott but without the Maroons enforcer, the no-frills 29-year-old is relishing the extra responsibility. Bolton was the best forward on the park in the first half, amassing 109 metres in just 25 minutes. He finished with 159m.

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3. Kalyn Ponga will be an NRL superstar. Rugby league is littered with tales of one-season wonders who never fulfil their potential but Ponga will be a 10-year first grader. At just 18, Ponga does things in games that stamp him as a special talent. He is clever, plays tough and his footwork is electric, as evidenced by his blinding pace running on to a Johnathan Thurston inside ball to score his maiden NRL try.

Kalyn Ponga dives over to score a try for the Cowboys. Picture: Richard Gosling

4. The Cowboys need more from their bench. With Scott gone for the season, it is crucial the likes of Ben Hampton, John Asiata, Shaun Fensom and Sam Hoare maintain the rage when thrust into the heat of battle. They missed starting hooker Jake Granville’s energy when he was given a breather.

5. Gideon Gela-Mosby produced a mixed debut. Such is Gela-Mosby’s speed, it is hard not to get excited about him and he did superbly well to beat three Titans to score his maiden NRL try. But he was guilty of a poor defensive read in the second half, conceding a Titans try after flying off his wing.