Laurie Daley turned the Indigenous All Stars out in scintillating form with Bulldogs ace Ben Barba and Raiders flyer Reece Robinson both celebrating the 32-6 win over Wayne Bennett's National Rugby League All Stars with hat-tricks in front of just over 41,000 fans in Brisbane.
The attack and flair shown by the Indigenous side was breath-taking at times for a game played in February.
But it was their defence, something for which Daley was noted as a player, that impressed as they frustrated their rivals.
Barba was simply stunning, scoring the first three tries for his side - in the 10th, 20th and 30th minutes - with the help of skipper Johnathan Thurston who was on fire in the first half.
The Bulldogs custodian however didn't see out the clash after being rested from the final quarter to guard against a tight hamstring.
Thurston also gave Cowboys and Queensland fans a scare after re-joining the game in the final minutes.
He had just returned to field when he and NRL All Stars forward Willie Mason collided heavily attempting to field a high bomb.
Thurston took a while to get to his feet but indicated to the big crowd as he left the field he was not badly hurt.
