Star North Queensland centre Willie Tonga set out to make Jack Reed's NRL debut a nightmare but admits the Bribie Island bricklayer made him look like a "fool".

Tonga's Cowboys secured the two premiership points with a 16-14 victory but 22 year-old Reed enjoyed a dream start to his NRL career, scoring the opening try of the game in front of more than 45,000 Suncorp Stadium fans.

After almost scoring with his first touch, Reed pulled off a big play tackling Cowboys winger Michael Bani into touch before forcing his way over for his first NRL try from the scrum.

"I think he's got a big future in the NRL, he's very solid," said an impressed Tonga.

"He scored a good try ... He made me look a bit silly actually, a bit foolish.

"He showed a lot of confidence and made a few big plays which is what you want to see from a young player.

"I'll admit I tried to go out there and make him have the worst debut he possibly could, but he played very well I thought."

Reed is a brickie from Bribie Island, the same Sunshine Coast holiday town which last year tossed up NRL rookie of the year Matt Gillett.

Tonga, who admitted he was still searching for his best form, said he couldn't remember the last time he celebrated a win over the Broncos.

"I can't remember to be honest, I think it might have been `05," he said.

"As you can seem all the boys are pumped, it's a great feeling.

Tonga said while critics had written North Queensland off before the season opener having lost their previous seven clashes with Brisbane, the players were quietly confident an upset was on the cards.

It was a victory as much for Cowboys' fans who've endured some lean years since losing the 2005 grand final to the Wests Tigers.

"Our fans have been solid and it's great to give them some hope for the season," he said.

The highlight for Tonga though was watching Matty Bowen carve Brisbane up working off Thurston.

He said when the "old firm" was working it gave everyone confident.

"When he and JT are on their game we look good," he smiled.

"Mango (Bowen) is only small but he's got a big heart, I love him.

"He doesn't back down from anyone and he plays well above his weight.

"JT is all class and when it's time to go work there's none better."

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