Another big crowd turned out at the Katherine sports ground to watch the clash, which delivered on its promise to be a bustling struggle between the teams.

With the race still on to catch Barbarians at the top of the 2015-16 premiership ladder, a lack of discipline from both teams cost them dearly during the extremely physical encounter.

Neither team was able to take a stranglehold on the flow of play, with Pirates finally claiming a 24-21 victory thanks to a Thomas Watego try after the full-time siren had sounded.

Shannon Toby-Lee, Anthony Assan-Busch and Steve Talitumu were the best on the paddock for the victorious Pirates, while Tom Whalley, Mal Roney and Gary James stood up to be counted for Brahmans.

Pirates will aim to topple Barbarians when the teams meet on Feburary 12 at 7pm.