North Queensland have found a home away from home in Darwin after Saturday nights flogging of the Eels.

With skipper Johnathon Thurston back in Cowboys colours after a long injury layoff and the 11,000 strong crowd roaring them home at Darwins TIO Stadium, the Parramatta side were never in the match as the North Qld ran rampant over their opponents.

Thurston (pictured) says returning to the Top End was a pleasure for his side who felt like they were playing at home, such was the support they received from the Darwin crowd.