Queensland Origin flyer Brent Tate has re-signed with North Queensland for another season, adding to speculation about fellow veteran Matt Bowen's future at the club.
The 31-year-old Tate - who has played 42 games since linking with the NRL club at the end of 2010 - joins a long listof recent Cowboys re-signings.
Among them are co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matthew Scott, test and NSW prop James Tamou, centre Kane Linnett and halfback Michael Morgan - but not Bowen.
The Cowboys are monitoring Bowen on a modified training programme before deciding whether to offer him a contract for a 14th NRL season.
Coach Neil Henry said this week the club would need to decide on what to do with Bowen sooner rather than later, especially once rival offers start arriving.
Bowen - the 2012 Dally M runner-up - has failed to bounce back to his best after pre-season shoulder surgery. His rebuilt knees are also causing concern.
But the Cowboys are clearly happy with Tate after he overcame his own long history of injuries.
"They were very supportive through my tough times early on and I'm keen to keep contributing for as long as I can," Tate said. "My family also really enjoys living in North Queensland so it's great we've been able to come to an agreement on at least one more year."
Cowboys football manager Peter Parr said Tate had been rewarded not only for his on-field form.
"Tate's positive influence on the club extended beyond his on-field feats," he said. "He's part of our leadership group and a great example to our young blokes on what being a professional footballer is all about.
"Tatey's one of the best outside backs in the game and as well as being a regular in our starting team, he's also able to mentor our younger players who are trying to reach the high levels he has."
