The North Queensland Cowboys have advised the NRL that its players will not be able to attend the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Monday night – but they will still take part in the ceremony.

The Cowboys said they wanted to give their players the best possible preparation for next Sunday's Grand Final. 

An NRL spokesman said alternative arrangements were now being made to ensure the Cowboys players took part in the Awards ceremony from Townsville.

"The Dally M's is the premier awards night in our game and we will ensure the Cowboys are part of it," the spokesman said.

"They are Grand Finalists and will still be a key part of the night."