Kangaroos star Josh McGuire is reportedly set to be granted a shock release by Brisbane to join North Queensland immediately.
McGuire has three years remaining on his NRL deal with the Broncos, but News Corp Australia reports the Queensland forward is headed for Townsville.
The moves comes just a year after the 28-year-old appeared set to finish as a one-club player, having re-signed with the Broncos until the end of 2021.
It will the first roster adjustment for Brisbane since the club announced the signing of reigning Dally M coach of the year Anthony Seibold from the 2020 season.
Current mentor Wayne Bennett is currently still the coach of the NRL side, which remains locked in negotiations with a number of off-contract stars.
Rising talent Tevita Pangai Junior, prop Matthew Lodge and winger Corey Oates have yet to re-sign for next year, while Joe Ofahengaue has one more year on his current deal.
Despite the Broncos being widely tipped to be in title contention next season, allowing McGuire to walk would provide more space in the cap to extend all four players.
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.
His move to the Cowboys would be a huge boost for a forward pack that already houses Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean, but is now without retired champion halfback Johnathan Thurston.
The Cowboys and Broncos have been reached for comment.
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