The hole left in North Queensland’s squad following Ben Barba’s sacking has been filled by New Zealand international Jordan Kahu.
The 28-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys after being granted a release by Brisbane.
The Cowboys had been seeking a fullback after terminating the contract of Barba following an alleged altercation with his partner outside Townsville’s casino in early February.
Kahu is the second Bronco to head to Townsville this off-season following Josh McGuire’s switch in November.
Cowboys coach Paul Green said Kahu’s versatility made him an attractive acquisition.
“To pick up a player of Jordan’s ability and experience at this stage of the pre-season is a massive bonus for us,” Green said.
“He gives us depth at a number of positions, he’s a very good centre and he’s played wing and fullback as well.
“His goal kicking ability is the added bonus on top of everything else he offers.”
Kahu made 95 appearance for the Broncos in six seasons, scoring 42 tries.
He offers the Cowboys a goal-kicking option following the retirement of Johnathan Thurston, booting 145 goals from 188 attempts at 77 per cent over the course of his career.
Kahu has made nine Test appearances for the Kiwis and was part of the Maori All Stars team which took on the Indigenous All Stars last Friday.
The short-term deal also keeps the Cowboys in the hunt for Valentine Holmes, should the ex-Cronulla star’s NFL ambitions come to nought.
Rob
Guest
Kahu is a good pick up at this late stage and provides good coverage for the outside back positions. I can’t see him being an automatic selection as Hampton, Martin or even Morgan could be chosen to play in the fullback position. Sad to see Ethan Lowe leaving and I wish him all the best at Souths. Ethan played a big role in the Cowboys 2015 GF and he also proved to be a match winner on many occasions in the 2017 season when taking on the kicking duties. Being a member of the inaugural Cowboys premiership team is something very special.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Doubt that's the motivation. Kahu just found himself becoming surplus to requirements. With Boyd, Isaako, Roberts, Bird and Oates there's not really much room out the back foot the young guys coming though as it is without even looking at recruiting anyone.
Larry1950
Guest
Any chance the Broncos are clearing an outside back space for Izaia Perese who ditched the Qld Reds & Union to sign with the Broncos as a development player. He was considered a wallaby wildcard with his pace & physical style so Kahu & Taueli going might give him an opportunity. Not like he's a rookie in league, played juniors & Qld under 16's from what I recall. They might pick up a cheaply once squads are finalised, Richie Kennar looks to be now in the reckoning but isn't he the guy who had an absolute shocker for Cronulla against the Broncs last season?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It's exactly worth the paper it's written on if you understand a contract. Party A is obligated to do B. Party Y is obligated to do Z. Party A and Y can agree to terminate the agreement if they so choose. Otherwise both are obligated to continue their part of the agreement.
Emcie
Roar Guru
The only thing I'm worried about is how much game time he got for someone that was pretty much just covering injuries, hopefully injuries are kinder to us this year
Larry1950
Guest
Good to see a positive outcome for a great Broncos servant, loyalty was clear on both sides as he could have been cut after any of those serious injuries or could have taken the better money from the Warriors over the years. That badly broken jaw last year impacted his form on his return but let's hope the new start gets him back to what he's capable of, which is a top tier NRL club player. There certainly won't be bad blood on either side of this exit. Broncos have now lost Kahu, Taueli (sacked) & Fai (unfit) from their squad so interested who gets promoted. Who are their development players?
Emcie
Roar Guru
What's the issue? No contracts were broken, no one got screwed over. It was a good outcome for all parties. This is what contracts are for, to protect the interests of both parties and shape how issues are resolved.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It certainly helps with our depth but if he is our number one fullback I am concerned.
Paul
Roar Guru
Two class players moving to the Cowboys pre-season. I hope Green goes out and buys a lottery ticket! He couldn't have asked for better after the Barba sacking.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah a quality player, just a victim of circumstance. Had he not been injured, Bennett would've found it hard to bench him and we may not have seen Isaako. Hope he goes well in the FB role in NQ.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Very good pick up for the Cowboys. Good for Kahu too. He deserves better than a bench spot at the Broncos. Hope that Isaako keeps his form for the Broncos.
Clanger McClunk
Guest
Kahu was "granted a release" from Brisbane to link up with Townsville. Looks another case of a contract not worth the paper it's written on. Good luck to the bloke, he has said he prefers to play fullback so here is his opportunity to show us what he has to offer wearing No1. I do ask, what is a contract?
Pedro the Saint
Roar Rookie
Handy pickup for the cowz. Gives the team some stability with his age and experience in the back end of the field which is what they needed.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I am not sad to see him leave but I wish him well. He was quickly sliding down the pecking order.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Can't the Broncos "find" some more Third Party Money to keep him?
Matt P
Roar Rookie
Always disappointing when blokes like Kahu have to leave the club, but realistically this is the best option for all parties. Hope he does well at the Cows.