North Queensland Cowboys have moved on from last year’s seven tackle howler

IT WAS one of the great rugby league howlers but last year’s seven tackle controversy against Cronulla is now unmentionable at the Cowboys.

Cowboy's Johnathan Thurston and referee Henry Pernara during the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium , Moore Park .Picture Gregg Porteous

IT WAS one of the great rugby league howlers and caused outrage in Townsville for an entire off-season but the seven tackle controversy is now unmentionable at the Cowboys.

This Cowboys team makes no excuses, even when they have legitimate ones.

On Friday, the Cowboys tackle the Sharks for the first time since their infamous finals battle which prompted NRL chief executive Dave Smith to apologise to Cowboys officials at full time.

His apology was for one of the most incredible referee errors in NRL history.

Beau Ryan scored Cronulla’s opening try but replays later showed it was awarded on the seventh tackle by referees Matt Cecchin and Henry Perenara.

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Cowboy's Johnathan Thurston and referee Henry Pernara.

Cronulla ended up defeating the Cowboys 20-18 to end their season and Neil Henry’s tenure at the club.

Cecchin and Perenara were subsequently dropped and Johnathan Thurston were investigated then cleared for post-match comments claiming the error was part of a conspiracy to have an all-Sydney final.

Under new coach Paul Green, the Cowboys do not speak of conspiracies despite the fact they continue to be undermined by referees in key moments.

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita reignited the issue earlier this week when he claimed the Cowboys only complained about the extra tackle because they lost and that they had more than enough time to overcome the error.

Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston looks on.

The Cowboys are adamant the seven-tackle set will not be motivation this Friday.

“Nah mate, we have moved on. It is a new season and we have new goals,” halfback Ray Thompson said.

“I don’t think anyone is carrying that into this game.”

Thompson said the Cowboys still had a goal to reach the top four which is actually achievable despite the fact they have lost all their away games this year.

The Cowboys sit just two competition points out of the top eight and four points out of the top four.

“Absolutely,” Thompson said when asked about top four aspirations.

“There are some tough games but they are gettable games.”