North Queensland back-rower Ethan Lowe says he has no recollection of touching referee Gerard Sutton during the NRL premiers’ crushing 40-0 win over Sydney Roosters.

Injuries to Tricolours Dale Copley (pectoral muscle) and Ian Henderson (broken leg) snatched the spotlight from the incident as Trent Robinson’s side sunk to its biggest-ever loss at the hands of the Cowboys.

But following David Klemmer’s judiciary appearance the previous night, Lowe found himself being mentioned in relation to the game’s issue of the moment.

“I didn’t realise, I didn’t know what it was,” Lowe told Triple M.

“I didn’t realise it happened so I don’t know.

Meanwhile, North Queensland coach Paul Green gave a half-joking but less-than-complimentary assessment of fullback Lachlan Coote’s performance when some positive stats were recited to him at Thursday night’s media conference.

“Do you want me to go through all his stats?” Green responded.

“Kick errors, a couple of turnovers of possession off line-breaks.”

The Roosters’ first two weeks were the worst in their history in terms of points conceded – and then things got worse.

“It’s not where we want to be,” said captain Jake Friend.

“It hurts. It’s a bit embarrassing.

“We’re going to do our best to fix it as a group and get better.”

The premiers, meanwhile, now head into a grand final rematch with Brisbane with form under their belts.

“It’s still only worth two points,” Green said of the blockbuster clash.

“I think there’ll be a good crowd there, which will be good.

“There’ll be a good atmosphere around the ground. It’s such a great place to play, Suncorp Stadium.

“In saying that, though, since I’ve been coach we haven’t had a win there either. The occasion will get the boys up.”