North Queensland consolidated their push for a top-two finish with their biggest win of the season against the Warriors on Friday night.

One night after Penrith ended their slim hopes of contesting for the minor premiership, the second-placed Cowboys registered their 16th win of the season with a 48-4 thumping at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

The win moves Todd Payten’s side to 34 competition points, two clear of Cronulla who face Manly on Saturday at 4 Pines Park, and with a superior points differential of 115 over the Sharks.

Should Cronulla beat the Sea Eagles, the two sides will be neck and neck to secure second spot on the ladder.

Cronulla have the easier run home, facing Canterbury and Newcastle. North Queensland play South Sydney away and minor premiers Penrith at home in round 25.

Their first home fixture after three consecutive away games was a welcome one for their fans, hammering the Warriors by eight tries to one.

Their habit of starting slow was put to bed when Coen Hess crashed over Reece Walsh for their first try in the sixth minute. Three minutes later they had two, when Murray Taulagi sent Walsh flying on his way to the line.

Shifting through the hands to their right edge, their next tackle began with right winger Kyle Feldt and finished with his opposite winger Taulagi, who shoved off Walsh’s attempted tackle then slammed the ball down.