Neil Henry has been sacked as coach of the North Queensland Cowboys

EXCLUSIVE: NEIL Henry's services for next season have officially been terminated by the Cowboys.

NEIL Henry's services for next season have officially been terminated by the Cowboys.

News Limited understands North Queensland hierarchy are formally on the lookout for a new coach after the besieged Henry was last night informed by chairman Laurence Lancini he is not required for 2014.

Henry informed Cowboys staff of the decision today.

Chief executive Peter Jourdain subsequently issued a statement confirming the club had decided to part ways with the former Raiders mentor at season's end.

“The board has decided that at this time the club needs to head in a different direction,” Jourdain said.

“Neil will continue as head coach for the remainder of this season as everyone in the club focuses on finishing as high as we can on the competition ladder in 2013.

“It is important to highlight that this decision has been reached on a professional and amicable basis.

“Despite media speculation to the contrary, out of respect for Neil we have not sought out anyone to be his replacement beyond this season.

“To be fair to both Neil and the club, we have decided to make this decision now to allow both of us to explore our options for next year.

“The search for a new head coach will begin this week.

“The Cowboys wish to thank Neil for all of his work and dedication as our head coach, including the huge amount of time he has dedicated to our community programs.”
 

Neil Henry

The former Queensland Origin assistant has been under pressure for some time, with speculation about Henry's tenure first surfacing in May.

At the time, Cowboys hierarchy insisted a definitive call had not been made on Henry. But the club's continued struggles, headlined by last Friday night's heartbreaking 18-16 loss to the Broncos, has forced the board's hand.

Henry will see out the season, with the Cowboys needing to win all remaining six games to make the finals _ starting with this Saturday night's daunting home clash against ladder leaders South Sydney.

The 52-year-old has had a rollercoaster reign at the Cowboys. He missed the finals in his first two seasons, but steered the Cowboys to back-to-back playoff campaigns in 2011-12, prompting many to rate North Queensland as title contenders this year.

From 117 games in charge at the Cowboys, Henry has won 52 games for a 44 per cent success rate.

Just last week, Henry told The Courier-Mail his future beyond this season was far from certain but said he would be disappointed if he was to be given the axe.

"Even though the season doesn't reflect what we have done here work wise, I think the club has come forward and there are improvements to be had in a range of areas.

"I'd be disappointed for my staff as well because if the coach goes it affects a few other livelihoods."

The Cowboys have no shortage of candidates to replace Henry.

NSW Origin assistant Trent Barrett and former Parramatta caretaker Brad Arthur were first linked to the job, while Kevin Walters, Paul Green and former Hull KR mentor Justin Morgan are other contenders.