Bears v Cowboys - Round 8: Norths win 62-16 | Bailey Taylor stars

Elevated to the top grade this year, Taylor's move from halfback to fullback proved a masterstroke - with the 21-year-old named man of the match.

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The six-time reigning premiers rebounded from very rare back-to-back losses, including a last-start extra-time loss to Narrabri that snapped a remarkable run of 47 straight home wins.

Despite the wobble, Norths were heavy favourites to beat the winless, last-placed Cowboys and quickly moved to a 18-0 lead after two tries to winger Tevita Peceli as well as tries to Taylor centre Livinai Tuicakau, whom Peceli released for a long run down the eastern touchline.

Dungowan hit back with two tries in quick succession. Winger Liam Mack scampered over, then scored again after the Cowboys sliced through Norths' defences to make it 18-8.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors, as North Tamworth posted six tries before an eight-point try to the Cowboys.

Norths then crossed for two more tries in a 12 tries to three route that left the Bears in third place, three points behind ladder leaders Kootingal-Moonbi.

Bailey said he felt "way more comfortable" at fullback.

"The boys played really good today," he added.

"It was a top effort from the boys in the middle: they made it easy for us out wide."

North Tamworth 62 (B Taylor 4, T Peceli 2, L Tuicakau, A Roberts, L Ball, J Cooper, M Simon, S Ervine tries; B Taylor 6, J Patterson goals) d Dungowan 16 (L Mack 2, B Maloney tries; T Taylor 2 goals).

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