Johnathan Thurston says "I'll pack my boots" for Sunday's grand final, but North Queensland's best chance of a miracle injury comeback resides with teammate Matt Scott.

Thurston is resigned to missing the decider against Melbourne, but his presence around the team has been a huge boost during their giant-killing run. The Immortal-in-waiting has spent enough time in the coach's box lately to realise it's not a gig for him.

"Hell no. No chance," Thurston said. "You have got to be a special breed of person to be a head coach. I'm enjoying the role I'm playing now, it's been able to put my mind into another direction. The club comes first and I'm enjoying that role while I'm injured."

The Cowboys' run to the biggest game of the year has surprised everyone but themselves.