New Zealand international Esan Marsters is set to join the Cowboys following his immediate release from the final year of his contract the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers declined a request made by Marsters' management several months ago, with a potential upgrade for the 2020 season being asked, reports NRL.com.
The out-of-favour centre has since travelled up north to meet with Cowboy officials, having been granted release and is set join the Cowboys next season.
The Tigers have an infamous history of over-paying players when out-of-contract names look to extend their stay at Leichhardt Oval, and the club is hopeful to ensure history doesn't repeat itself.
Michael Maguire has already begun to seek Marsters' replacement, with a meeting between Dragons starlet Zac Lomax and the Tigers coach having been recently held to discuss a potential move if St George Illawarra is to release their centre.
Maguire is likely to back rising star Tommy Talau to take over the reins at centre for the Tigers, while North Queensland looks set to welcome a much-needed fresh face to their backline.
Showed alot of potential early on, had an terrible year in 2019…was lazy and disinterested
Zac Lomax would be a steal of a replacement otherwise there is Euan Aiken. Matt Dufty could be a the future fullback
Cowboys look pretty good now really.
Their forward pack is top 5 with Taumalolo, McQuire, McLean, Asista, Hess, Cooper and Shane Wright.
The backline has Fedlt, OโNeil, Drinkwater, Masters and Opacic. Other than that it gets abit thin could do with signing a few good back ups like Dean Whare and Brenko Lee.
The halves and hooker department also look like it could possible do with a signing. Micheal Morgan is there with Granville. Robson was a good buy, and Hampton is a solid utility. But the another half has to step up maybe Martin or Clifford maybe they need someone new