Konrad Hurrell scored two tries and set up another as Tweed Heads contributed to Norths' descent from the head of the table with a 28-24 win at the Piggabeen Sports Complex.
In contention to represent Tonga next Saturday against Samoa in the Pacific Test, Hurrell was more than a handful.
The NRL personality player marked up against young Bronco Gehamat Shibasaki, who was named at halftime in the XXXX Queensland Residents squad to play New South Wales Residents next Sunday in Sydney.
Yet it was fair to say Hurrell took the points decision, and not only on the scoreboard, where Tweed won and Hurrell scored two tries to Shibasaki's one.
It was a helter-skelter opening to the game, with four tries posted in an incredible 10-minute period between the ninth and 19th minutes.
The free-slowing contest had Tweed ahead 16-12 at halftime, but the Seagulls looked set to be challenged for the lead when the second half resumed.
However, Norths conceded two tries which were against the run of play, one to former Knights and Roosters NRL player Brendan Elliott and the second to a clever Hurrell, who anticipated an intercept.
That allowed Tweed to skip ahead 28-18 and seemingly put the game beyond doubt – until a late try by Jack Ahearn made the last three minutes a tightrope walk.
Norths went within inches of scoring a try that would have levelled the game, but ultimately it wasn't to be.
While Hurrell's two tries showcased his barrelling style and uncanny balance, it was the try he set up for Kane Elgey which most pleased the highlight reels.
Hurrell received the ball on the right edge from Bryce Cartwright who held up two defenders and gave a trademark one-handed flick pass that put his outside man in space, Hurrell bursting away before slowing down to pass to Elgey with perfection.
The win will elevate Tweed to sixth spot on the ladder, only a few months after they occupied the caller.
For Norths the opposite is true. From being in equal first place, the Devils are now in danger of slipping outside the top eight.
Next week is a weekend off for both teams while the representative round is held.
Full scoring details and final team lists available at QRL Live.
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 28 (Konrad Hurrell 2, Lindon McGrady, Kane Elgey, Brendan Elliott tries; Lindon McGrady 4 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 24 (Michael Lucas, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jack Miers, Jack Ahearn tries; Luke Pollock 2, Jack Miers 2 goals) at the Piggabeen Sports Complex.
