Webb to join Cowboys
19:09 AEST Wed Jul 14 2004
Former Queensland Origin forward Carl Webb agreed to terms with North Queensland for the next two NRL seasons.
Webb, 23, knocked backed offers from Canberra, Cronulla and Newcastle to sign with the Cowboys, currently 10th on the NRL table.
He also rejected offers from Wigan and Castleford to play out the remainder of this year's Super League competition in England.
Webb's manager Barry Collins said the swaying factors were the tropical weather in Townsville and the future prospects of the club.
"I think he sees the Cowboys as a side on the way up," said Collins.
"I believe Carl will play better football in a side not dotted with 10 or 11 internationals because he's basically a quiet guy.
"I'm not a football coach but sometimes when you've got a lot of guys wanting to run the ball, the quieter guys sometimes stand back."
Brisbane back-rower Webb had ruled out signing with Canberra or Cronulla, the latter club because the Dalby product was not keen on the Sydney lifestyle.
The choice was whittled down to North Queensland or the Knights, who are now chasing Melbourne's Kirk Reynoldson.
Collins said the Cowboys contract included incentives for Webb to add to his four Origin appearances for the Maroons in 2001 and 2002.
"He's got the fire in the belly to get going," added Collins. "We couldn't be happier."
Webb has been impressive during the Broncos' recent victories over South Sydney and St George Illawarra after languishing in Queensland Cup for most of the season.
"It's really disappointing to have missed out on Carl," Sharks chief executive Steve Rogers said.
"As I said to Barry (Collins), I think we would've been good for each other.
"He was just what we were looking for and I think he would've fitted into our side nicely.
"Being a Queensland country boy, the thought of Sydney didn't appeal to him but there's a big difference between Cronulla and Sydney.
"We've got some other area that we're now exploring."
©AAP 2004
