NQ concerned about re-signing stars

It’s not mission impossible – yet.

But North Queensland football boss Peter Parr admits it will be difficult to re-sign their string of off-contract NRL stars under the current salary cap uncertainty.

Co-captains Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston top a long list of Cowboys talent worth more than $5 million who will be off contract in 2017.

Parr revealed Test prop Scott had already begun talks with the Cowboys.

But he pleaded for patience.

Parr believed negotiations would be drawn out with a question mark still over the salary cap figure.

There are fears the cap for 2018 won’t be finalised until October next year after a funding stoush broke out between NRL clubs and ARL Commission chairman John Grant.

“It’s a difficult period if you are trying to negotiate contracts – it’s not impossible but it’s difficult,” Parr said.

“I think you will find negotiating new deals will probably take a little bit longer than previous, so everyone will have to be patient.

“I wish we had more information but we don’t so we will try and do the best with what we have got.”

Parr said the Cowboys could not afford to be left behind in retention despite mystery still surrounding the salary cap.

The Cowboys hope to continue talks with 31-year-old Scott, who reportedly wants to play another two seasons.

Next year will be his 14th season for the Cowboys.

“You get put in a predicament where you don’t know what the salary cap is going to be,” Parr said.

“But there are other clubs out there who are signing players regularly so you don’t want to put yourself in a poor position on retaining your players.

“We will try and find a way we can work through that with Matt and the other players.”

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