Sandow injured as Cowboys belt Eels

A devastating five minute period that wielded three Cowboys tries all but killed off Parramatta's hopes of registering their first win of 2012.

The third try of that first half barrage proved the highlight of North Queensland's commanding 42-6 win after a relatively dour second half ensued.

Adding to the Eels' horrific start to the season was the sight of star recruit Chris Sandow limping from the field in the 73rd minute. However, early indications are that the injury is not serious.

After 55 minutes Parramatta were finally able to reduce the 26-0 halftime deficit when Pat O'Hanlon scored his inaugural first grade try.

Cowboys winger Ash Graham was denied a hat-trick in the final quarter of the match after failing to ground a Johnathan Thurston kick.

Graham did eventually seal a well-earnt treble of tries in the 77th minute when back-up hooker James Segeyaro kicked to the three-quarter's edge to score his second career hat-trick.

A try in the dying seconds to Gavin Cooper stretched the Cowboys lead to 42-6 at the fulltime siren.

In the first forty, as steady rain became torrential, Aaron Payne turned an inside pass for Matt Scott who crashed over for his first try since round 16 2010.

Seven minutes later Graham was given a straight-up try by video referee Paul Mellor despite appearing to knock-on over the tryline.

The Cowboys continued their dominance over a lacklustre, Jarryd Hayne-less Eels, when young gun Jason Taumalolo bulldozed his way over for a try before paving the way for Graham's second.

The 18-year-old seemingly sparked the ruthless Cowboys into action.

A third try in a devastating five minute period was the highlight of the first half.

Diminutive fullback Matt Bowen combined beautifully with his leader Johnathan Thurston - both blokes using the wet conditions to their advantage as Bowen dived on a Thurston kick almost 10 metres out from the try-line before sliding his way over for a 26-0 scoreline at the interval.