Former Maroons State of Origin halfback Paul Green is reportedly set to be announced as North Queensland Cowboys’ new head coach.

Manly assistant Brad Arthur had firmed as favourite to take over from ousted Cowboys mentor Neil Henry but Sydney Roosters under 20s mentor Green has reportedly received the nod.

News Corp Australia reported on Tuesday that Arthur had been told by the Cowboys that he had missed out on the job.

Green is believed to be the man now in North Queensland’s sights despite Broncos legend Kevin Walters and Brisbane assistant Kristian Woolf also being in the mix.

Another potential candidate – seven-time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett – ruled himself out on Monday when he said he would remain at Newcastle.

The report claimed the Cowboys would make an official announcement on their next coach in the coming days.

Green – a former North Queensland halfback – takes over the reins from Henry who signed on as a Gold Coast Titans assistant on Monday.

Henry was told in July that his services would not be required in 2014 after early-season title favourites the Cowboys slumped to a 6-12 record.

They went on to win six straight games to dramatically force their way into the finals – only to be knocked out by Cronulla 20-18 in the first round in a loss that included a seventh-tackle try to the Sharks.