He may have left Brisbane with no hard feelings but North Queensland recruit Josh McGuire admits he is relieved to join a "stable" NRL club, saying it will extend his career.
The Kangaroos lock - a 10-season Broncos player - was contracted at Red Hill until 2020 but made a surprise off-season request for a release amid ongoing speculation about Wayne Bennett's future.
McGuire left to take up a four-year Cowboys deal before the Broncos coaching saga dramatically ended with Bennett's sacking via voice message.
McGuire, 28, said he had no problems with Brisbane and simply needed a change.
But the Queensland No.13 couldn't hide his satisfaction over signing with a "settled" NRL club.
"I am just glad everything has been resolved down there (Broncos)," said McGuire, who played 194 games for Brisbane.
"It had nothing to do with me. I was out of there before everything went down.
"It's great to be part of a club that is so stable.
"I am just glad to be part of an organisation that is really settled and knows what they are working towards."
McGuire said the move north was already agreeing with him.
"It's been a breath of fresh air to come up here. It gives me a chance to prolong my career," he said.
"I went to the (Broncos for release). I needed a change. An opportunity arose that I couldn't refuse and I took it.
"I have no ill will toward the Broncos. They will always have a place in my heart.
"But I had been there since I was 15 years old, played 10 years of first grade there so I felt it was the right time to step away and pursue another opportunity."
McGuire - a 10 Origin, eight Test veteran - hoped to go to another level in a pack also boasting Tonga powerhouse Jason Taumalolo, ex-Test prop Matt Scott and Kangaroos forward Jordan McLean.
"It's a good opportunity to get together with those guys and improve our footy together, feeding and bouncing off each other," he said.
"It's a big year for me. I am excited about improving my footy and taking it to another level."
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