North Queensland Cowboys strengthened their grip on second place in NRL with a comfortable 30-12 win at Manly Sea Eagles on Monday.

The Cowboys ran in five tries at Brookvale Oval as they cruised to a victory that ensured they are again two behind leaders Brisbane Broncos and four clear of third-place Sydney Roosters.

Manl also lost scrum-half Daly-Cherry Evans to a shoulder injury sustained late in the first half.

North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein's seventh-minute try was answered 10 minutes later by Cherry-Evans, who capitalised on a Cowboys handling error to touch down under the posts.

Cowboys centre Kane Linnett restored the visitors' lead in the 28th minute and, after Jonathan Thurston had added a penalty, fed Winterstein for his second at the end of a fine long-range attacking move.

Cherry-Evans was able to complete the first half, but did not emerge for the restart due to a blow to his left shoulder.

The hosts cut the gap to eight points when Brett Stewart pounced on a Kieran Foran kick in the 43rd minute, only for Michael Morgan to cross for the Cowboys and then set up Jake Granville to add gloss to the scoreline following a strong line break.