"I think we dominated the game from the beginning and we were the better team but it was disappointing to go in at half time 1-1 instead of 2-0," said Bleiberg.

"We went into the second half with the same intention, it doesn't matter if it was 1-1 or 2-0, we knew that we are the better team and deserved to win the game but second half credits have to go to the Fury they got better."

North Queensland acting coach Robbie Middleby said his side was off the pace but refused to blame the off-field dramas mid-week.

Fury had been due to face Newcastle but saw a shoddy surface thwart their plans.

"We worked during the week with the coaches and had everything down pat but a few of the boys didn't turn up tonight which was a little disappointing," he said.

"It was a little bit of a hiccup during the week but that should not have been a problem we have a lot of character."

"I thought we were playing good football and with nicking one before the break with our character and commitment thought we would be in it."