North Queensland coach Neil Henry says the Cowboys will enjoy the greatest depth he has seen during his tenure at the club in 2013 despite the loss of their first and second choice hookers.

With Aaron Payne’s retirement and back-up dummy-half James Segeyaro going to Penrith, the hooking job is up for grabs at the Cowboys.

But with Melbourne’s former back-up rake Rory Kostjasyn and English recruit Scott Moore joining the club, Henry feels his side is well covered.

And with the return of Robert Lui to the halves after his off-field ban, Henry says the Cowboys are looking in great shape.

“The depth has improved across the club,” Henry said.

“In my time here it’s the best out depth has been. It’s how you cope with injury and representative football.”

Henry said Kostjasyn, who played 14 NRL games last season filling in for Cameron Smith at the Storm and also representative half Cooper Cronk, was a terrific young prospect.

“He’s a kid with a great work ethic and a big future I think,” said the former Queensland Origin assistant coach.

But he also had plenty of raps on Moore, who he figured would also be a key recruitment given his experience.

“He made his debut as a 16 year-old and has played over 100 Super League games,” Henry said.

The Cowboys finished fifth in 2012, topping the ladder in attack during the regular season but coming in seventh in defence.

“That’s a good indication of what we need to work on,” Henry said.

“Our attacking ability doesn’t come under question, we score the most points in the competition.

“Things like defending kicks and short range tries in our own 20 metres and from dummy is what we have to work on.”

Henry has six players on his books still recovering from post-season operations.

Representative stars Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou have another two weeks off before joining pre-season training.