Cowboy Winterstein's suspected broken arm

North Queensland have suffered an early blow, losing returning winger Antonio Winterstein early in their NRL blockbuster derby against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

Winterstein lasted just 13 minutes on Friday night before he left the field nursing his right arm.

Cowboys staff said Winterstein had suffered a suspected broken forearm.

Winterstein was playing his first game of the season after missing North Queensland's opening win over Canberra due to an ankle complaint.