NRL Market Watch: Jordan McLean re-signs with Cowboys until end of 2023

The Cowboys have staved off interest from rival clubs to keep a star forward in North Queensland for another year — keep up with all the latest signing news.

Danny Levi has found a new home in the NRL. Picture: Adam Head

The Cowboys have staved off interest from NRL rivals to secure former Australian prop Jordan McLean to a new deal.

McLean has ended months of speculation over his future by inking a 12-month extension to remain at the Cowboys until the end of 2023.

The 31-year-old was linked with his former club Melbourne, who are searching for experienced forwards following the loss of Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi to the Dolphins, but McLean is staying in Townsville.

Jordan McLean has ended months of speculation over his future, by extending his stay at the Cowboys for another season. Picture: Getty Images.

The hulking front-rower played a key role in the Cowboys’ revival season, chalking up 22 appearances in the engine room to spearhead North Queensland’s stunning charge to the preliminary final.

A long-term member of the Cowboys’ leadership group, McLean’s contract extension will see him return for his sixth season in North Queensland.

“Securing Jordan for another season is exciting news for our club,” Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said.

“It’s no coincidence our improved performances last season coincided with Jordan’s most consistent period on and off the field.

“His experience and leadership has been invaluable in the development of our talented young playing group and we look forward to his continued influence helping lead our squad to another level of performance in 2023.”

The Storm were keen to bring McLean back to Melbourne, but he has chosen to stay in North Queensland until at least the end of 2023. Picture: Getty Images.

After battling injury in two of his first three seasons at the club, McLean has appeared in 46 of a possible 50 games for the Cowboys over the past two seasons.

His excellent run of form saw McLean recalled to the representative arena for NSW this season, only for a training injury to rob the 179-game NRL veteran of a fairytale Origin debut for the Blues in the Suncorp decider.

FORMER BRONCO FINDS NEW NRL HOME

—Michael Carayannis

Canberra have signed international hooker Danny Levi.

Levi will join the Raiders on a two-year deal after being released from Super League club Huddersfield.

He played 112 top grade games across three clubs for Newcastle, Manly and Brisbane. Levi featured in nine matches for the Broncos before playing in the Super League this year.

The Raiders were on the lookout for some hooking depth following the departure of Josh Hodgson to Canberra.

Danny Levi has joined the Raiders on a two-year deal.

Zac Woolford started at hooker in 17 matches while Tom Starling largely played off the bench.

Woolford re-signed for two years while Starling is also contracted until the end of next year with a player option for 2024.

The Raiders have also signed Newcastle forward Pasami Saulo.

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Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Jordan McLean re-signs with Cowboys until end of 2023