Former St George Illawarra fullback Clint Greenshields will return to the NRL after a seven-year absence with North Queensland.

The 30-year-old quit the NRL in 2006 after an impressive three-year stint in the red and white, and went on to carve out an impressive career with Super League club Catalan Dragons.

Named in the Super League team of the year in 2008, Greenshields played two Tests for France in 2009 and leaves Catalans as the club’s record try-scorer with 77 four-pointers.

He signed a one-year deal for 2013 and will provide the Cowboys with depth at centre and fullback, though he faces a tough ask breaking into the starting line-up ahead of the likes of star No.1 Matt Bowen.

“Clint was keen to come back and have another shot at the NRL and we’re happy that we’re able to give him that opportunity,” Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr said.

“He’s an experienced player who still has plenty to offer at this level of the game.”

AAP sj/wk/rj