Three injury hit clubs are reportedly considering a three-way player swap to help address their squad issues early in the season.
Channel Nine’s ‘The Mole’ is reporting that the swap would see Cowboys veteran Josh McGuire head to St. George Illawarra for halfback Adam Clune.
Clune’s arrival at the Cowboys would allow them to release playmaker Jake Clifford to the Knights, who he has signed on with from the 2022 season.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten confirmed last week that they would allow McGuire to leave the club if a suitor emerged after the 31-year-old expressed his dismay with the club’s on-field performance.
The deal would benefit both the Cowboys and Dragons as Clune could come in as a replacement for Michael Morgan.
Morgan’s playing future remains in doubt due to ongoing shoulder issues and the Cowboys may view Clune as his potential successor.
Fellow halfback Jake Clifford would then be granted an early release from the Cowboys to join Newcastle, helping soften the Knights’ horror injury list.
The report suggests the deal could be finalised in the coming weeks.