A sideline conversion proved the difference in Sunday’s two-point thriller for the Magpies.
In Round 9 action at Davies Park - where the Magpies secured a win against the Clydesdales last week - the home side faced a major challenge against the second-placed Townsville Blackhawks.
With the squad returning to its regular lineup and without NRL veteran Marty Taupau following the end of his Broncos stint, the Magpies knew they were in for a battle.
The Blackhawks struck early, with Mackenzie Baker crossing just seven minutes in, setting the tone for a dominant first half. At the break, the visitors led 24-4.
But the Magpies came out firing in the second half, staging an impressive comeback. With two minutes remaining, winger Floyd Aubrey crossed in the corner, narrowing the scoreline to 26-28.
That set up a high-pressure sideline conversion attempt for Latrell Siegwalt, but the kick narrowly missed - leaving the Magpies just short at full-time. Final score 26-28 to the Blackhawks.
This Sunday the Magpies head west to Toowoomba for a Round 1 re-match with the Clydesdales. Kicking off at 2:10pm, it is set to be an explosive game. Watch live on Qplus.tv, Kayo and 9 Now.