Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston insists he did nothing wrong despite falling foul of the referees again in his side's 24-16 loss to the Panthers at CUA Stadium on Friday night.
With his side leading 12-6 and North Queensland in possession deep in their own territory, Thurston was penalised for dissent after complaining to referee Tony De Las Heras that his side failed to gain an advantage after a Panthers knock on.
It turned out to be a pivotal call in the match with the home side scoring from the next set to keep in touch on the scoreboard.
It's not the first time the Queensland Origin star has had a run-in with a referee this season after he was hit with a detrimental conduct charge earlier this season for an expletive-laden tirade at Jason Robinson in the Cowboys loss to Manly.
"I just asked him (De Las Heras) where was our advantage because they knocked it on on our 20 metre line and we were camped five metres out from our line," Thurston said of the incident.
"It just wasn't right."
Asked if he swore at the referee, Thurston said: "I can't remember mate it just happened so quick."
"I said 'where's our advantage now we're coming off our line."
"If we pick it up and run 20 metres it's play on but we were coming off our line."
Cowboys coach Neil Henry added: "It's a big call when we've got possession 10 metres out and they give a dissent penalty."
"I'd like to listen to the audio....I'd hate to think the refs are being too precious and maybe jumped the gun there.
"Talking to my players there didn’t seem to be much in it."
The Thurston controversy aside this was a game the Cowboys had in their keeping for most of the night - leading 16-10 with less than 10 minutes to go before two late Panthers tries decided the contest.
Henry also used the post-match press conference to confirm the club was hoping to keep a hold of forward Willie Mason despite reports the former Test back-rower was in the sights of cashed-up English Super League clubs.
"We've had some early talks with Willie about next season, nothing's been finalised," Henry said.
"We're no further to signing him at the moment but I haven't heard about a firm offer from overseas."
"We're keen to look at what we have available to offer him. He might be able to get a better offer somewhere else but I certainly can't fault his efforts week-in, week-out, he's been very good for us."
The Cowboys are now officially out of the race for the finals but will have plenty to play for next week with a clash against neighbours the Broncos in Townsville.