Overnight wrap: Murray, Finch, Timmins

Under-fire North Queensland coach Graham Murray has lashed out at the media after a two month losing streak with the Cowboys and the New South Wales State of Origin side.

Murray yesterday ordered journalists and cameramen to turn off their equipment before claiming he had been the victim of what he called a "cook-up". The veteran coach says, in future, he won't be responding to any questions about off-field issues.

North Queensland has been in damage control after club officials were forced to defend Paul Bowman's involvement in a pub brawl and, last week, release a statement denying rumours of an alleged in-house sex scandal.

Murray has not tasted victory as a coach since NSW beat Queensland in the series-opening State of Origin game on May 24. It comes amid his decision to axe five players in response to his side's one win from its last eight matches.

Ty Williams, Brent McConnell, Ray Cashmere, Mitchell Sargent and Justin Smith have all been demoted for the match against Brisbane in Townsville on Saturday while former Queensland Origin centre Paul Bowman will play lock.

Elsewhere, Parramatta is firming as Brett Finch's destination for the next NRL season after his manager confirmed yesterday the Sydney Roosters are trying to offload him.

Despite being contracted for 2007 and constant denials from the Roosters, Finch has fallen out of favour at the club and is unlikely to be there next season. His manager Steve Gillis says Finch has permission to talk to other clubs provided he gets back to the Roosters with any offer he receives.

Parramatta are looking for a five-eighth following the loss of John Morris to Wests Tigers, while Brisbane are also believed to be interested in the former NSW Origin representative.

Meanwhile, Castleford has signed former Australian international Shaun Timmins on a two-year contract from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The 29-year-old utility player, who has made more than 200 appearances in Australia's National Rugby League, will join the Tigers for the start of the 2007 season. Castleford coach Terry Matterson says Timmins is a big signing for the club and he is looking forward to working with him.