Ethan Lowe blow for North Queensland Cowboys in NRL

Back-rower Ethan Lowe has been ruled out for the rest of the NRL season in a huge blow to the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of their semi-final with the Brisbane Broncos.

Lowe suffered a spinal cord injury during the Cowboys' 16-10 loss to the Melbourne Storm in their qualifying final.

Cowboys coach Paul Green confirmed on Thursday the 25-year-old would miss the remainder of the campaign.

Wing Antonio Winterstein is still being monitored as he battles an injury to his ribs.

The Cowboys will face the Cronulla Sharks if they can overcome the Broncos on Friday.