North Queensland Cowboys boss Peter Jourdain says it is time for a new coach

NORTH Queensland boss Peter Jourdain says there are no regrets over punting coach Neil Henry despite the Cowboys' stirring run to the NRL finals.

NORTH Queensland boss Peter Jourdain says there are no regrets over punting coach Neil Henry despite the Cowboys' stirring run to the NRL finals.

The Cowboys CEO said Henry's replacement would be announced in a fortnight after narrowing down a short-list believed to feature Newcastle assistant Rick Stone, ex-Queensland playmaker Paul Green and former Eels caretaker coach Brad Arthur.

Henry was told his services would not be required at season's end when early title favourites North Queensland slumped to a 6-12 record following a heartbreaking 18-16 loss to Brisbane in late July.

However, it sparked a remarkable six-game winning run that landed them a last gasp top eight berth - and no doubt ensured red faces in the Cowboys' boardroom.

But there was no fairytale finish for Henry whose Cowboys stint ended abruptly with the 20-18 elimination final weekend loss marred by Cronulla's seventh-tackle try.

While buoyed by the club's late season run, Jourdain said at no stage did the club have second thoughts about Henry's axing.

"I wouldn't think finishing eighth with the squad we have was an acceptable outcome would you?" Jourdain said.

Henry finished his five-year head coaching stint at the Cowboys by leading them to three straight finals campaigns - the last two cut short by refereeing howlers.

However, Jourdain said the board was still adamant that it was time for a change in the Cowboys' coaching box.

"Sure we finished in the eight the last couple of years but we still think we need to go in a different direction to get further success," he said.

"We are working through a short-list of candidates.

"I would expect a decision in two weeks."

Henry has been linked to the Parramatta head coach job.

Meanwhile, Jourdain said the Cowboys would give club stalwart Matt Bowen all the time in the world to make up his mind over when to take up a position at the club.

Bowen - a 12-year Cowboys veteran - has drawn the curtain on his NRL career but is yet to decide whether to play on in the English Super League.

"It's up to Matty but we will keep the position open if he decides to play on for a year or so," Jourdain said.

Neil Henry