North Queensland star Johnathan Thurston has wasted no time in urging co-captain Matt Scott to remain a Cowboy amid reports of a huge offer from Newcastle.
The 31-year-old Scott is searching for one final NRL payday in what is likely to be the last lucrative contract of his career when his current deal expires in November.
And less than a day after revelations the struggling Knights had opened negotiations with the Australian and Queensland prop, Thurston admitted he had already meti Scott.
"He already knows my opinion on it, so there's no need to get into his ear," Thurston told reporters on completion of his first week back in pre-season training.
"Hopefully, he can finish his career as a one-club player and be remembered as one of the greatest Cowboys ever."
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Set to enter his 14th season in Townsville, Scott is one of at least four players on this year's roster eligible for the $300,000 long-serving player allowance in the salary cap.
That figure had risen from $200,000 in 2014, however Thurston believes more incentive is needed for players to become one-club men.
"You don't see many of them around, the one-club players," he said.
"I think the NRL should be looking at making concessions for those types of players that have obviously taken a lot less to stay at the one club. I think that's an option to look at."
While the Cowboys enjoyed keeping most of their 2015 premiership-winning squad last year, they face an uphill battle to retain a glut of stars beyond this season.
Scott and Thurston head a list that also includes reigning Dally M winner Jason Taumalolo.
Scott earlier this week revealed he might be forced to look elsewhere to maximise his earning potential, and Thurston admitted it's a sinking reality that could come to fruition.
The cashed-up Knights are reportedly preparing a two-year offer worth as much as $1.5 million.
"He's been one of the best front-rowers in the competition now for a number of years. As a halfback, you need blokes like him in your team," Thurston said.
"From what I've heard, it's speculation at this time. But I understand it's also a business and he needs to make the best decision for himself and his family now.
"It'd really suck if he'd left but, hopefully, he sticks around."
