WILSON RETURNS FOR FIRE

THE Cowboys have staved off five NRL rivals, including Queensland foes the Titans, to secure clever utility John Asiata until the end of 2020.

North Queensland’s 30- 14 rout of the Bulldogs had an emphatic postscript yesterday when Asiata agreed to terms on a three- year upgrade to remain in Townsville.

Asiata and his partner Shailah are thrilled to be staying and the appeal of starting their family in the relaxed atmosphere of Townsville played a major role in the versatile forward’s re- signing.

The Samoan international had interest from Souths, Cronulla, Newcastle, Manly and the Gold Coast, but the 24- year- old opted to stay loyal to the Cowboys. The Cowboys have retained Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo and Asiata in the past six weeks and will now ramp- up plans to secure champion playmaker Johnathan Thurston and Maroons veteran Gavin Cooper.

Asiata’s remarkable versatility piqued the interest of several NRL clubs. The Penrith junior played at prop against the Bulldogs on Thursday night, just three weeks after slotting into the halves to cover for the injured Thurston.

At 106kg, Asiata is the most skilful big man in the code and is determined to establish himself as a starting player at the Cowboys after impressing in his 60th NRL game on Thursday night. CONTINUED: PAGE 60