Cowboys forward Ethan Lowe to sign with South Sydney
Wayne Bennett is set to secure his first signing for South Sydney, snaring North Queensland forward Ethan Lowe, in a move that will enable to Cowboys to raid their Queensland rivals.
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Cowboys forward Ethan Lowe is on his way out of North Queensland as Wayne Bennett prepares to secure his first signing for South Sydney.
The Courier-Mail can reveal the Cowboys are on the verge of releasing Lowe from his contract to sign with the Rabbitohs immediately.
Lowe’s departure will further free up salary cap space for the Cowboys to sign Jordan Kahu from the Broncos as sacked fullback Ben Barba’s replacement.
Lowe, 27, was a star on the rise for the Cowboys after playing in the club’s historic maiden NRL premiership in 2015.
He was on the cusp of State of Origin selection for the next two seasons, even spending time in Maroons camp to get accustomed to the Queensland set up.
However, Lowe went off the boil big time last year, playing only 15 NRL games after he was dropped by coach Paul Green.
Lowe is a handy goal-kicker, another reason why the Cowboys are looking to bring Kahu in following the retirement of sharpshooter Johnathan Thurston.
Lowe, a Roosters under-20s player, has played 108 NRL games for North Queensland since debuting in 2013.
But he was facing a bench spot at best this year, with veteran Gavin Cooper and young gun Coen Hess in line for the starting edge spots at the Cowboys.
If the Lowe transfer is completed, the hardworking backrower will become Bennett’s first recruit since he joined the Rabbitohs after being sacked by Brisbane.
The Rabbitohs lost NSW Origin star Angus Crichton to the Roosters during the off-season and Lowe could fill that void if he can rediscover his best form.
Barba’s sacking a fortnight ago has triggered a flurry of player movement a month out from the start of the NRL season.
Up-and-coming Cowboys half Jake Clifford said he hoped the club wouldn’t lose Lowe.
“I threw a few little stabs at him (about it) but, you know ... I don’t think he’s going to go,” Clifford said.
“He’s a very loyal person and he’s been a good player for this club for many years.”
Clifford said Kahu would be a good addition to the club.
“I haven’t heard too much about it but he’s a very good player and if he does come to the club, he’s going to be a another good addition and he’ll be pushing for that fullback spot if he does come,” he said.
“If we do go on the market and buy someone, they’re going to buy someone that fits into our structure of play.”
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Originally published as Cowboys forward Ethan Lowe to sign with South Sydney
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