KANGAROOS kept their faint Cairns District Rugby League finals hopes alive with a thrilling 38-36 win over the Edmonton Storm at Barlow Park yesterday.

With 10 minutes to go and trailing by 14 points, Roos looked headed for defeat before crossing three times late in the match to snatch the lead late in the game.

Pictures: Cairns District Rugby League 2009

Earlier on, it did not look like it would be Roos’ afternoon after they gifted the Storm three tries through intercepts.

Roos coach Scott Holt praised his side’s character to never stop fighting.

"To be that much down with 10 minutes to go and to come back was very pleasing to see for a coach," he said.

"The boys just dug deep.

"(Storm prop Jason) Joinbee caused us some problems. He’s a big man, but other than that I thought we pretty much had it over them especially if we take away the 18 points we gave them through silly passes."

Roos, who played Brothers in last year’s grand final, need the sides above them to falter to have any chance of sneaking into the top five.

Holt said the club had not abandoned hope of playing in the finals.

"If we keep fighting and keep winning our games then anything can happen," he said.

Storm coach Mark Volpe said his team’s lack of forward depth was found out yesterday.

"We had three of our forwards out this week and late in the game we missed them," he said.

"The players we had on in their places just ran out of steam at the end and we conceded three late tries.

"The loss was disappointing but we take some positives out of the game.

"We’ve got to give some of these fellows a chance to see what they’ve got and I thought they went well."

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