Front-rower James Tamou has reportedly confirmed he’ll be leaving North Queensland at the end of the NRL season.
Several reports say Tamou told his Cowboys’ teammates of his decision to leave the premiers on Thursday morning.
The 27-year-old has been seeking a move back to Sydney for family reasons.
Up to three Sydney clubs have reportedly made offers for Tamou’s services.
It’s understood Penrith are the frontrunners to secure the NSW State of Origin and Australia representative, having tabled a four-year deal for Tamou.
“The next contract I sign will take me to my 30s, so I will weigh everything up and make sure my partner and family are happy with what I decide,” Tamou said before May’s Anzac Test against New Zealand when discussing his future.
Tamou is one of several off-contract players at the Cowboys as they aim to retain the squad which claimed the club’s maiden premiership in 2015.
Fullback Lachlan Coote and Kane Linnett have recently signed new deals.
But as well as Tamou, grand-final winners Ben Hannant, Ethan Lowe, Rory Kostjasyn and Justin O’Neill are all yet to confirm their NRL futures.