The North Queensland Cowboys have identified off-contract Broncos duo Tom Dearden and Anthony Milford as playmaker targets for 2022.

it comes amid Jake Clifford's impending move to the Newcastle Knights from next season on a two-year deal, leaving a void in the No. 7 jumper.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed to 7News Brisbane that the Broncos pair were in the club's sights.

โ€œWe have to look out for players to fill that spot next year. Tom Deardenโ€™s available, (Anthony) Milfordโ€™s available so weโ€™ll get onto that in the next few weeks,โ€ Payten said.

Dearden, 19, has played 17 NRL games all for Brisbane since making his first-grade debut in 2019.

The Mackay junior is one of the league's brightest young playmakers and considered a future star of the game.

7 Newsโ€™ย Chris Garry reported last month that the Cowboys were set make a 'competitive' offer for Dearden and were keen to make him their long-term No. 7.

Milford has made 180 NRL appearances since his debut in 2013, including a previous stint at the Canberra Raiders.

The 26-year old had struggled to live up to his $1 million contract, with the Broncos at the end last year reportedly allowing him to speak to rival clubs.