The North Queensland Cowboys have signed experienced forward Shaun Fensom.

The former Canberra Raiders stalwart, 28, has agreed to a two-year deal, and is expected to begin training on Monday.

He will be available for selection in the Cowboysโ€™ Round 1 team to take on his former club Canberra at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday 4 March.

Of the 139-gamer, Cowboys General Manager โ€“ Football Peter Parr said the club was getting a quality, proven player.

โ€œHeโ€™s a very good player and also very experienced,โ€ Parr said of Fensom.

โ€œWith the loss last year of James Tamou and Ben Hannant, we have lost a bit of experience, so he ticks a couple of boxes there.

โ€œHe has come to us late in the piece and we were well-prepared to go with the squad we had put in place this season.

โ€œBut we were clear that if an opportunity arose to sign a quality player, then we would pursue that, and Shaun Fensom is a quality player. He plays in a position where we think we need to add some depth.โ€

New South Welshman Fensom is a two-time Raiders Player of the Year and had been with the Canberra-based club for eight seasons, debuting in 2009.