NRL: Cowboys ridden out of town

North Queensland should be thankful for Melbourne because at least they can't finish last in the NRL this season.

The Cowboys were crushed by the Storm 58-12 at AAMI Park last night, their woeful season now 10 losses and a miserly four wins.

They can't get the wooden spoon, however, with Melbourne already securing that after they were stripped of all points for the season because of salary cap cheating.

It was the Storm's biggest total since 2007, when they coincidentally beat the Cowboys by the same scoreline.

Despite having nothing to play for except pride, the Storm have lost none of their will to win and rammed that home against North Queensland, setting up the win with a 24-6 halftime lead.

Storm winger Justin O'Neill played a starring role, scoring a hat-trick in only his second NRL match. The 19-year-old, who went to school in Townsville but somehow slipped under the Cowboys' recruitment radar, crossed twice within four minutes in the first half and then added his third in the 64th minute.

Five-eighth Brett Finch, celebrating his 250th NRL match, had a hand in all three.

In last night's other match the Sea Eagles edged out the Rabbitohs 26-25 at Brookvale Oval. With five minutes remaining Manly trailed Souths by a point but hit two drop goals to claim the victory.