The elephant in the room has already been addressed by new North Queensland assistant NRL coach John Cartwright – all that is missing for the 20-year-old club is a premiership.

But the former Gold Coast mentor believes everything is in place for the Cowboys to break their title drought in what would be an ideal anniversary present.

Cartwright said the Cowboys’ premiership potential was what lured him back to the NRL just months after becoming disillusioned with the game.

In what was meant to be a compliment, Cartwright’s reasons for joining North Queensland also provided some sobering perspective to the underachieving Cowboys.

Cartwright hinted there were no more excuses for an outfit boasting Test props Matt Scott and James Tamou plus two-time Golden Boot winner Johnathan Thurston to fall short in the title race.

North Queensland have only featured in one NRL grand final – back in 2005.

Their past three finals campaigns have ended in controversy.

“You are no longer the new kids on the block,” Cartwright told Cowboys TV.

“From the outside, the Cowboys are recognised as one of the powerhouses of the competition.

“They have a representative front row; they have probably the best player in the world; got a really good crop of young talented players who have tasted first grade and want more.

“It’s a rugby league heartland – they have all the building blocks in place.

“The only thing missing is a premiership.

“And I really believe the squad they have here on paper is capable.”

Cartwright stepped down as Titans coach last August after almost 200 games at the helm since Gold Coast’s 2007 inception.

He knocked back an offer to join Cowboys head coach Paul Green in October because he “wasn’t in the right head space”.

“I was a little bit disillusioned.

“But the Christmas break and … rugby league being back in the news, it gave me that itch.

“So when I got the call again from Greeny (last week), it made sense.”

Cartwright – signed on a one year deal – had no problem taking a back seat at North Queensland.

“It’s what every head coach would love to do,” he said.

“Your time isn’t occupied as much with man management, media, dealing with sponsors, all that sort of stuff that goes with it.

“It (assistant role) is pure coaching.”

Meanwhile, co-captain Scott (shoulder) has returned to full training this week and is set to play their final trial against Cartwright’s former team the Titans in Cairns on February 21.