NORTH QUEENSLAND could be running roughshod over other teams for many years to come after Carl Webb became the latest Cowboy to pledge his allegiance to the club.
The damaging 25-year-old Queensland forward yesterday re-signed with the outright competition leader until the end of 2008.
Webb joins injured winger Ty Williams in shoring up his future with the Townsville-based club before the game's anti-tampering deadlines expire on June 30.
The Cowboys, who are four points clear of the pack on the NRL ladder, now have to only re-sign Matt Sing, Paul Bowman and Josh Hannay this year to keep their first grade squad intact for 2007 with the exception of captain Travis Norton.
Even more important is the fact the club is poised to begin talks with Dally medallist and the game's in-form player Johnathan Thurston despite the half not being off contract until the end of next season.
"It's always a balancing act but our goal is to try and keep the squad together as long as we can and we'll continue to pursue that over the coming weeks," Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said.
"Obviously it's becoming harder and harder because they're not on the same money they were when they first got here, or they were when some of these younger blokes first got out of school.
"But I think the fact over the last couple of years we've proven what a consistent footy team we are that, while money is a huge factor in any decision they make, most players simply like to play with other good players and a team they think can play finals football."
Parr's retention challenge has been made a little easier after Norton announced this year this season would be his last.
However, the Cowboys boss scuttled suggestions that Hannay could be released early or not re-signed given he has been in and out of first grade.
"He won't be given permission to talk to other clubs," Parr said. "It hasn't been asked for but if it was it wouldn't be given anyway.
"Nobody here has put a line through Josh Hannay, let me assure you of that.
"He's still very much a required player and he's still someone in our thoughts.
"Things might not be going his way at the moment but they can turn around very quickly in this game."
Webb joined the Cowboys from Brisbane at the end of 2004 and he conceded a decision about his future had been difficult - especially given he would attract plenty of interest on the open market.
The Gold Coast Titans, who will join the competition next year, would have been one club particularly keen on Mount Isa-born Webb given they have already recruited strongly for 2007 in Luke Bailey, Preston Campbell and Brian Carney.
"I have to be honest - it is tempting and I had to weigh up all my options," Webb said.
"At the end of the day I felt this was the better option and better for my football also."
Parr said he was concerned about the club's chances of retaining Webb if he had elected to test his value on the open market.
"I think if he went on the open market there would be plenty of other clubs besides the Gold Coast who would look at him," Parr said.
Webb is still finding his feet in first grade after having to start off the year with the Young Guns in the Queensland Cup following off-season surgery for a groin problem.
He said his decision had been made easier because he had enjoyed his time both on and off the field since joining the club two years ago.
"We're getting a lot more interest now and I know I wanted to stay on - my heart was here - and hopefully a lot of the other guys want to stay on also," Webb said.
"They realise also we've got a special group of guys and the way we're going too is very encouraging so hopefully we can all stay together."
Webb has been touted as a possible bolter for the Kangaroos in next month's Anzac Test against New Zealand - his natural aggression would be a welcome asset against the Kiwis - but he said an Australian jumper might be too early for him.
"Personally, no I don't think so," Webb said when asked if he had done enough to be selected for the Test.