Leeds prop given marching orders after decking Tamou

North Queensland has secured rugby league's World Club Challenge with a 38-4 victory over Leeds in a spiteful clash.

In a fiery finish to the match, both teams finished with 12 men after a brawl in which Leeds prop Mitch Garbutt was sent off for a vicious punch to the face of Cowboys prop James Tamou.

Garbutt, who is Australian and has played 12 NRL games for the Storm and Broncos, took offence after Tamou appeared to slap Keith Galloway after playing the ball.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott described Garbutt's punch as "silly" and admitted there was insufficient provocation to justify his reaction.

"I'm sure Keith can handle being slapped," he said.

Tamou, who was sin-binned for is involvement in the scuffle, left the field with blood pouring from his nose.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said Tamou had been caught off guard.

"I think back home with the no-punch rule, guys when someone actually throws one they're probably not expecting it.

"It's normally a bit of push and shove. It got a bit willing after that. A bit old school."

The Cowboys' win completed a clean sweep for Aussie sides in the three-day series.

with AAP