Cowboys retain duo for 2019

Cowboy Ethan Lowe has decided to take up the option to stay at the North Queensland club for the 2019 NRL season.

There was some speculation Lowe remain un-signed for 2019 heading into the pre-season, but on Monday the Cowboys revealed to AAP he had made the decision to stay at the club.

The 27-year-old was one of the stars who helped North Queensland get to the 2017 Grand Final, but his 2018 season wasn't as glamorous as he seemed he was on the outer at the club after spending nine weeks in Queensland Cup.

A disastrous campaign this season has seen the Cowboys do a complete roster overhaul, with 2015 premiership heroes Lachlan Coote and Kane Linnett being released by the club and legend Johnathan Thurston and Antonio Winterstein retiring.

Last month Coote signed with English Super League club St Helens, meanwhile Linnett remains unsigned despite attracting interest from many English clubs.

The Cowboys will be looking to rebuild in 2019 and seem to be making a positive move in the right direction by signing former Dally M medalist Ben Barba.

Barba headlines a number of new arrivals to Townsville, including Nene MacDonald, Kurt Baptiste and Tom Opacic joining the Cowboys for next season and beyond.

North Queensland have also confirmed winger Justin O'Neill has also used his option to remain at the Cowboys for 2019.