The North Queensland Cowboys are the champions of the first ever NRL Auckland Nines, after defeating the Brisbane Broncos 16-7 in the final.

The Cowboys led 10-0 at halftime on the back of tries to Antonio Winterstein in the fifth minute who whizzed past two Broncos defenders with some light stepping close to the line and Curtis Rona who also crossed out wide in the eighth minute.

Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt closed the gap with a five-point try in the 16th minute before Chris Rona burst away for the match-winner with one minute to play to the delight of his teammates.

Earlier, the Cowboys toppled hot tournament favourites the Warriors in an 8-0 semi final upset while the Broncos beat the Cronulla Sharks 18-14.

Meanwhile Warriors play maker Shaun Johnson was named player of the tournament.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso