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.