Just when Matt Bowen will play again is anyone's guess.

Tiring of speculation about the livewire fullback, North Queensland coach Neil Henry on Tuesday ruled him out of the Cowboys' final match of the season, Sunday's showdown with the Sydney Roosters.

More importantly, Bowen is sweating on the results of an arthroscope on his right knee that he underwent on Tuesday.

It will determine whether his right knee must undergo the same radical graft surgery performed on his left one in 2008.

If he requires the operation - yet again - he is expected to be sidelined until July 2010.

"Matt Bowen has had an arthroscope this morning so I would say he is no chance of playing," Henry said.

"I don't know why he is tossed up in the media, thinking he is just going to pop up and play - he is not going to play.

"We don't know yet to what extent the knee is damaged.

"We will know a bit more about whether he needs a graft or not later this month."

With Bowen's future up in the air, the Cowboys will continue to audition for fullbacks against the Roosters.

However, the dark cloud hovering over Bowen has provided a silver lining for Ty Williams.

The 28-year-old is nearing the end of a four year deal signed in his heyday of 2005.

Back then, he was being selected for the Queensland Origin team and had chimed into the Cowboys' maiden grand final appearance.

How times have changed.

Injury has limited Williams to just 32 games in three seasons.

Toiling away in the Queensland Cup, Williams didn't look like he was going to fulfil his dream of being a one-club player.

However, Williams has fought his way back into the NRL team.

And with Bowen facing a lengthy injury, Williams has suddenly emerged as key cog in the Cowboys' 2010 machine.

While Williams appears to be in the box seat, Henry hinted that winger Donald Malone may also come into the mix.

"He (Malone) is contracted for next year as well," Henry said.

"He can play fullback, wing - he's a bit of a utility.

"But I would say Ty would maintain the position of fullback for us and Donald will be on that edge."

In another injury blow for the Cowboys, playmaker Grant Rovelli has also been ruled out of their season finale after suffering a broken leg in their previous round loss to the Broncos which knocked them out of finals contention.

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