NRL 2020 contracts: John Asiata set to quit North Queensland Cowboys
A Cowboys premiership forward is on the verge of quitting North Queensland with four NRL rivals tabling offers to one of the most skilled big men in the competition.
Peter Badel, The Courier-Mail


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July 1, 2020 9:27pm

John Asiata is on the verge of quitting the Cowboys with the premiership utility weighing up three rival offers including overtures from Queensland rivals the Titans.
Asiata, one of North Queensland’s most popular players, is in danger of being lost to the club unless the Cowboys can table an eleventh-hour bid to stop him leaving Townsville.
Arguably the most versatile player in the NRL, Asiata is off-contract at season’s end and has attracted strong interest from rival NRL clubs headed by the Titans and St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Raiders are also in the frame with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart having cash to spend after British star John Bateman‘s decision to leave the Green Machine at the end of the season.
There is a possibility Asiata, currently sidelined with a knee injury, may have played his last game for the Cowboys with the Dragons having discussed an immediate transfer for the Tongan international.
The 27-year-old has no issue with coach Paul Green but is keen to secure a regular starting berth with Cowboys sensation Jason Taumalolo having a stranglehold on Asiata’s preferred No. 13 jumper.

“I am considering all of my options,” Asiata said.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Cowboys but I wish to secure the starting No.13 jersey which is currently held by the best forward in the world, so I will look elsewhere to further my career.

“I feel I can improve my game and have heard good things about Justin Holbrook (Gold Coast coach) from my former teammate Lachlan Coote (who played under him at St Helens) and some of the Titans boys who know him well.
“I know whatever team I join I can assist with leadership and now with the change to the six-again rule my ability to ball-play at the line will be an advantage.
“It is a process which I have left my agent to deal with.”
The Cowboys will hold further talks with Asiata this week but may struggle to match offers from the Titans, Dragons and Raiders.
The clever Asiata has tallied 121 first-grade games for the Cowboys and played a handy interchange role in the club’s maiden premiership win in 2015.
“John is in demand and will add a creative influence to any roster with his skill set, there are few middle-forwards with his footwork and ball skills,” said his manager Chris Orr of PSM.
“We are in talks with a few clubs. John has not ruled out staying at the Cowboys but we will look to finalise the matter soon.”