Josh McGuire set to sign with Cowboys for 2019 NRL season

The North Queensland Cowboys are on the verge of signing Kangaroos and Maroons forward Josh McGuire after the rep star reportedly contacted Broncos teammates from Fiji.

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The North Queensland Cowboys are on the verge of signing Kangaroos forward Josh McGuire for the 2019 season on a $3.2 million contract.

The Cowboys have been in secret talks with the Brisbane Broncos enforcer for two weeks about an immediate move to Townsville.

Josh McGuire is set to leave the Broncos for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty

There is concern in North Queensland about the future of former Test and Maroons front-rower Matt Scott who recently underwent surgery on a neck injury.

The Broncos are reluctant to release the 28-year-old McGuire but could use the space it would create in the salary cap to keep their best young forwards long term.

The likes of Tevita Pangai Junior, David Fifita, Payne Haas and Joe Ofahengaue all showed immense promise throughout the 2018 season.

The Broncos don’t want to let Josh McGuire go but see it as a smart move salary cap-wise. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The Maroons and Kangaroos forward has two years to run at the Broncos but is being offered four to five years to play out his career in Townsville.

The Daily Telegraph understands the Broncos have informed new coach Anthony Seibold about the situation.

With the addition of Val Holmes in 2020, the Cowboys will have a roster to seriously challenge for another premiership.