End of an era as North Queensland say goodbye to 1300Smiles Stadium

It was the end of an era for North Queensland but the future is bright if they can keep their forward pack together and find a partner for Michael Morgan.

Morgan needs better support. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

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1. After 301 games, 153 wins and endless hours travelled by fans, the Cowboys turned off the lights at their home for the past 25 seasons for the final time with a win. It finally gave their fans something to smile about this year after winning just four games at home all year.

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Morgan needs better support. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

2. Many people will be sorry to say goodbye to 1300Smiles Stadium, but none more so than Kyle Feldt. The North Queensland winger will leave the hallowed turf with 20 tries from his last 20 games at the Townsville home-ground.

3. As the Cowboys begin their new era, at a new home ground, they should begin looking at a more consistent halves pairing for Michael Morgan. Thursday night’s low-scoring affair epitomised their season — with a team brimming with talent but an inability to convert it into points.

Matt Scott's family show their support. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

4. On a night of goodbyes, the Cowboys also gave a warm home ground send off to two local heroes, Matt Scott and Scott Bolton who are retiring at year’s end. The future of the Cowboys forward pack look bright, with Francis Molo and Peter Hola displaying incredible running and tackling ability.

5. North Queensland should offer Jordan Kahu an extension to his contract after sealing the win for his new home team. Kahu headed north on just a one-year contract and has been one of the Cowboys most consistent outside backs along with fellow former Bronco Tom Opacic.