Cowboys coach Paul Green confirmed Taumalolo was nursing a medial sprain after coming off second best in an eighth-minute tackle by Brisbane powerhouse Tevita Pangai.

Green would not speculate on how long Taumalolo would be sidelined but would no doubt take heart from the Tongan juggernaut's knack for a fast recovery.

The former Dally M Medallist suffered a grade two medial strain back in 2015 but only missed three weeks.

"He has a medial issue. I don't know how bad it is right now," Green said.

"I am not going to speculate until I know exactly what we are dealing with."

Taumalolo battled on until the 33rd minute before being hooked by Green and took no part in the second half.

He was clearly limited by the ailment, making just 43m from seven hit-ups barely a week after his remarkable 301m effort in North Queensland's season opening win over St George Illawarra.

It ensured the Cowboys had no answer to Pangai who bullied the visitors to inspire Brisbane's six tries to two round two triumph.

"I was pretty disappointed. I thought early on physically we just weren't in the contest," Green said.

"They got the jump on us early. Physically they got on top and we weren't prepared to go with them.

"We got rattled early but I think they expect more from each other and I expect more from the entire team."

Green played down North Queensland's other injury concerns, winger Nene Macdonald and utility John Asiata who both suffered head knocks.

He expected both to be fit for their third-round clash against Cronulla.

Green also dismissed questions about playmaker Michael Morgan, who appeared to suffer a right shoulder complaint.

Australian Associated Press