Cowboys may have earned a North
Queensland day off

Cowboys fans would like a public holiday declared in north Queensland next Monday regardless of the result of Sundays National Rugby League grand final.

North Queensland erupted in celebrations yesterday after the Cowboys stunned minor premiers Parramatta 29-0 to set up an historic grand final next weekend against the West Tigers.

Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney said the result was fantastic for the Cowboys and the region.

"It is probably the most important sporting event that we've been in involved in here in Townsville," he said.

Cr Mooney said there were moves to have next Monday declared a public holiday to celebrate the Cowboys' achievements as well as parades and giving players the keys to the city.

"I've just spoken to the state member for Thuringowa about it and he's going to the Queensland government and trying to declare a public holiday next Monday win, lose or draw," he said.

"Admittedly we're talking about north Queensland, from Sarina up."

Cr Mooney, who watched the win over the Eels at a barbecue with friends at his home, said he hoped all of Queensland would get behind the Cowboys in their first grand final.

The mayor will join the mass exodus from north Queensland to attend next Sunday night's finale at Sydney's Telstra Stadium and Premier Peter Beattie will be joining him.

"It was a great result for the Cowboys and for north Queensland," Atherton-raised Mr Beattie said.

"It shows you can't keep a good north Queenslander down.

"I'll be there to cheer on the Cowboys and they will give us a chance to get even for the State of Origin."

Cr Mooney admitted he hadn't been confident of the Cowboys reaching the grand final after their patchy late-season form, including a 50-6 loss to the Tigers two weeks ago.

"Next week is a new ball game," he said.