THE Cowboys were robbed by more refereeing controversies last night, with the Roosters winning one of the most thrilling finals matches in memory to the tune of 31-30 at Allianz Stadium.

The Cowboys had pulled off a miraculous comeback and were on the verge of pulling off the best come-from-behind win in any finals game.

• Missing kids capable of surviving for months in bush: cops
• Terror threat shuts down Toowoomba museums
• Tatu 'lesbian' makes anti-gay comments during interview
• Yowies: 'they're out there I've spoken with them'
• Japan opposes migratory whale sanctuary

But, like 2012 and 2013, North Queensland was on the wrong end of a contentious decision in the 74th minute, when it was ruled Roosters back-rower Sonny Bill Williams had the ball stripped, but it looked like a clear knock-on.

Then in the very last minute, Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston was left speechless after believing he scored a try, but the touch judge pulled it up for a knock-on by Robert Lui, despite his back facing the ball.

Cowboys players were left dejected after three amazing second-half tries to Thurston, Lui and Matthew Scott, after the visitors were down 30-12 at halftime.

ROOSTERS 31
(D Tupou 2, M Pearce, M Jennings, J Maloney tries; J Maloney 5 goals; J Maloney field goal)
COWBOYS 30
(J Thurston, R Lui, M Scott, E Lowe, G Cooper tries; J Thurston 5 goals)
At Allianz Stadium last night.