Cowboys farewell nine departing players

The North Queensland Cowboys will farewell nine players at tonight's Annual Presentation Ball.

The departing players are led by by star halfback Johnathan Thurston, who calls curtains on his career as the most capped Cowboy, playing 294 games across 14 seasons.

Winger Antonio Winterstein has also called time on his career after 167 games, while the Cowboys have elected to release premiership players Kane Linnett and Lachlan Coote after 167 and 83 games respective.

Forward Shaun Fensom, Rockhampton-product Sam Hoare and hooker Josh Chudleigh will all be on the lookout for new homes too.

Hooker Josh Chudleigh is also facing the exit door, who struggled to overcome an ACL recovery, as well as playmaker Kyle Laybutt and centre Shaun Hudson.