And as far as clubs in the NRL who can honestly say that about themselves and the defending premiers, the list is short.

The Cowboys' 22-0 defeat to Penrith on Friday night was their second-worst of the year on paper.

But in reality, it could well be the loss that strengthens the claims they can be genuine premiership contenders.

They completed at just 60 per cent, and walked away ruing their inability to take their chances or build any sustained chances through errors.

But they were able to continually hold on in defence.

At one stage in the first half the Cowboys held out 28 straight plays before Izack Tago crossed only to put his arm on the line while planting the ball down.

Penrith usually average a try every 8.5 plays in an opposition's 20-metre zone according to Fox Sports Stats.

On Friday night that figure ballooned out to one in every 17 plays in a statistic that defined North Queensland's resilience.

North Queensland defended superbly in their wins over North Queensland and Melbourne, but this was almost better even after conceding 22 points.

"I walk away knowing we can beat them if we get our fair share of possession," Payten said.

"There were moments of that first half where I thought we really worried them with the ball. We just couldn't find the patience or the last pass.

"We just looked comfortable for the most part defending ... I really enjoyed some of our defensive resilience.

"I know we're headed in the right direction and there is a real belief and desire in our group to keep turning up."

Reuben Cotter made 60 tackles in the middle and didn't miss one, with the middle now a near certainty for Queensland in State of Origin.

The Cowboys also found a way to deny Penrith repeat sets in the second, regaining the ball with short line dropouts when placed under pressure.

But still, they would have been disappointed they were wasteful with their opportunities.

Valentine Holmes bombed their best chance, dropping the ball just short of the line early in the second half when they could have launched a fightback.

Griffin Neame also lost the ball under the posts midway through the second half, while Payten admitted they lacked patience with their best chances before the break.

"I think we're closer than people think," captain and halfback Chad Townsend said.

"Our defensive effort tonight was something we can be proud of.

"But when you have those (attacking) stats, it is very hard."

Australian Associated Press