NQ keen on Josh but Scott ‘not going anywhere’
COWBOYS director of football Peter Parr has confirmed the club’s interest in Broncos hardman Josh McGuire, but he strongly refuted claims that veteran prop Matt Scott is on the verge of retirement.
The Cowboys are reportedly chasing McGuire for the 2019 season on a lucrative long-term deal as they look to bolster their front row stocks.
McGuire has three years remaining on his current contract with the Broncos, but it is understood the club would grant him a release for a move to North Queensland.
McGuire has played 194 games for the Broncos since debuting in 2009, and has also appeared in 11 State of Origin games for the Maroons and 15 Tests for Australia.
NRL.com reported yesterday that the 28-year-old had contacted Broncos teammates from his Fiji holiday to tell them he has played his last game for the club.
Parr said the Cowboys have had discussions with McGuire’s management, but he denied they had reached an agreement which would see him join them as soon as next season.
“There’s been no secret that we’re looking for a middle forward and Josh is one player that we have spoken to his management, among others,” Parr said.
“Whilst we’ve had discussions there’s been no decision made yet on where that will end up going forward.
“To say that we have an agreement with him or that he’s definitely coming is just premature at this stage.”
McGuire’s potential arrival would give the Cowboys another world-class middle forward alongside Test stars Jordan McLean and Jason Taumalolo and 251-game stalwart Scott, who is off-contract at season’s end.
Scott is recovering from neck surgery for the second time in four seasons.