If you were looking for one historical comparison with the cut-throat world of the NRL competition, it would be the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Canterbury’s Steve Folkes is about to be forced to walk the plank, even though Willie Mason is some other coach’s wee problem.

For what’s happening at the Cowboys, just think Mutiny of the Bounty and set sail on a voyage of sordid discovery, as the once-pride of the NRL fleet, the not so good ship North Queensland, lists badly into season ’08.

It has sprung a few leaks, become entirely rudderless and lost it bearings ever since 2005 when it ran aground on Grand Final Reef and all on board were badly mauled by Bengi’s Tigers, a more vicious relation to the Bengal.

At once branded unclean by the Cowboys Admiralty was Captain Graham “Muzza’’ Murray, who had been thown a lifeline by them in 2002 and brought onboard wearing a dead albatross around his neck.

Capt Murray had been all at sea since being cut adrift from the rotten hulk the RS Sydney City by that old pirate, Filthy Phil Gould.

This was after Capt Murray navigated the clapped-out Sydney almost to the Promised Land, only to go down in the Harbour City with all hands after being rammed by the grand final destroyer Brisbane.

We join the rather strange voyage of North Queensland as the second in command, Johnathan Thurston, is lowering the ship’s lifeboat to the water with Capt Murray on board.

“Mr Thurston, I demand to know the meaning of this. I have been keel-hauled in my time, especially when the Steelers found out I was a Super League secret agent, but this is mutiny!”

“Sorry, Muz, nothing personal. When we signed on, nobody told us you were going to put a stop to our hard drinking, fighting and wenching.”

“Judging by yours, Steve Southern’s and David Faiumu’s track record, I’ve done a lousy job.”

“Yeah, well Muz, we’re sick of all the floggings ...we thought things would be better when Billy Johnstone moved to the Titans, but you must have it in for us.”

“Thursto, if you want kisses and cuddles, go cruising on the Love Boat. Lower away boy, I’ve had a gutful of you ingrates.”

Capt Murray looks around and spots Cowboys Rear Admiral Peter Parr with him. “Crikey, looks like we’re in this together.”

“Actually I’m being winched out of here by chopper after I’ve given you your final dispatch!”

“Is it to take over the penal colony team of New South Wales again?

“No, we’ve already seen what a rum job you made of that. Look, the NRL are nervous you might try to do something foolish, like take charge somewhere else. We can’t have you upsetting our major stars. So take this.”

“It’s an anchor.”

“Yes, now step out of the boat and discover the lowest depths you possibly can.”

“Sounds fair enough, no use complaining … at least it beats school teaching. Bye.”

And after the splash Parr makes a call on his cell phone: “Northern Fleet Commander Bennett? Can you meet me at Townsville Dock? Yes, I think our ship’s about to come in.”