BY LUKE STRINGER

The North Queensland Cowboys have returned home to North Queensland heartbroken, after falling just short of victory in the NRL quarter-finals to the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

With the final score 18-20, a Sharks try that was later discovered to be illegal made all the difference.

The try occurred after a questionable referee’s decision enabled the Sharks to cross the line on what would have been their seventh tackle.

The miscount left Cowboy fans bitter, despite the NRL taking steps which it claims should prevent the chance such blunders happening again.

The Cowboys will just have to hope that they are in effect for next season with a new coach, after the sacking of Neil Henry.

The Sharks are set to play the Manly Sea Eagles this Friday in the semi-finals for a place in October 6 grand final.