TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Josh McGuire of the Cowboys looks on during the round 18 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 1300SMILES Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
St George Illawarra playmaker and former teammate to Josh McGuire says the out-of-favour Cowboys enforced would be a "welcome addition" to the Dragons.
Last week reports surfaced suggesting McGuire had been told to look elsewhere for his playing future and is now permitted to hold negotiations with rival clubs.
Speaking after North Queensland's 48-10 loss to Cronulla, Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed the veteran forward would be free to assess his options elsewhere.
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“We have had a conversation with his management and if he is able to secure an opportunity for next year we aren’t going to stand in his way," Payten said, per Fox Sports.
Further reports from the weekend revealed the Dragons are circling McGuire and Sharks forward Andrew Fifita.
Adam Clune's name has been mentioned as a possible candidate to be involved in a player-swap deal between the Cowboys and Dragons that would see McGuire sign with the Red V.
Speaking to NCA Newswire after the Saints' win over Newcastle in Round 4, Dragons rake McCullough spoke on McGuire's future, stating his desire to reunite with his former Broncos teammate.
“There are obviously rumours and loopholes in rugby league, but I’m not too sure what the plan is. He’d be a welcome addition,” McCullough said.
“It’s one of those things where you don’t want to get involved so I’ll just leave that up to the guys at the Dragons and Josh to work it out.
“Adding any depth to our forward pack will only help, especially if it’s a bloke with his sort of experience. The blokes that are here are doing a fantastic job. We’ve won three on the trot and they deserve all the credit they get.”
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Both McGuire and McCullough along with St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt previously played under Dragons coach Anthony Griffin at Red Hill, featuring in the 2008 Toyota Cup Grand Final.
It is understood that the Dragons will be looking to sign McGuire and Fifita on reduced deals in order to lure them to Kogarah.