NRL: Cowboys denied captain's run due to rapper's sound check

Michael Morgan of the Cowboys signs autographs for fans. Photo / Getty

Recording artist Macklemore has done what other NRL teams couldn't in the last three weeks - upset North Queensland in Sydney.

The Cowboys were reportedly furious that they had been denied access to ANZ Stadium ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final against Melbourne due to a clash with the American rapper's sound check.

Runaway favourites the Storm will get to train at the grand final venue on Saturday after booking a 10.30am session.

However, the Cowboys won't get a chance to hold their captain's run at ANZ Stadium because Macklemore will be have his rehearsal straight after the Storm on match eve.

The "Thrift Shop" rapper is part of the NRL grand final entertainment.

It is believed North Queensland will have to travel to Kogarah Oval to train on Saturday.

The Cowboys were reportedly so angry over the clash that they initially threatened to brush Wednesday night's Dally M Medal ceremony.

But Cowboys assistant David Fairleigh tried to shrug it off before North Queensland flew out from Townsville to Sydney on Wednesday.

"Yes, there were some issues with training grounds but that is all sorted now," he said.

"We have a field to train on. The guys have trained at ANZ many times - I just don't think it will be a consideration."

The Cowboys were also reportedly double booked with Melbourne to train at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday.

The Storm were believed to be given priority by the NRL to train at the ground because they were minor premiers in another potential snub for the Cowboys.

However, it is believed Melbourne have since found a private facility to train at, ensuring North Queensland can have a run at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday.

North Queensland can't use Leichhardt Oval for their captain's run because a four day Koori Knock-out tournament will be held there from Friday.

But Fairleigh said the venue dramas had not rattled the Cowboys ahead of their second grand final in three years.

"It is what it is," he said.

"If you don't train on ANZ it is not an excuse, whether you win or lose.

"There are a lot of guys there who have played big games.

"Those guys are keeping everyone level. There are no signs of anyone getting overexcited."

- AAP