FORMER North Queensland utility Gavin Cooper is poised to make a shock return to the Cowboys next season.
The only thing that could throw a spanner into the works at this stage is the defection of Frank Pritchard to the Bulldogs.
And former Broncos' fitness coach Dean Benton is tipped to be the first major change in the coaching ranks following the sweeping review which started last Friday.
It is understood everything had been done bar putting pen to paper on the Cooper deal but there could be a late play from his current club Penrith to retain the 25-year-old utility.
The Bulldogs yesterday announced they had signed fellow Panther Pritchard to a three-year deal from next season onwards, ending a reported tug-of-war between Penrith and new Super 15 rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels.
That would leave some money in the coffers for Penrith to up the ante in keeping Cooper, although is believed it is much more likely he will become a Cowboy once again.
Executive director Peter Parr confirmed yesterday that the club would announce two back-row signings in the coming days while recruitment manager Adrian Thomson said that Cooper was one of several players on a shortlist.
His manager David Phillips confirmed North Queensland were a strong chance of securing his client.
"There is, but it's not 100 per cent sure at this stage," Phillips said.
"Frank Pritchard has changed the dynamics a bit. But we should sort it out in the next day or two."
Cooper played 18 games for the Cowboys in 2006 before linking with the Gold Coast Titans in their 2007 and 2008 campaigns.
Since then has found a home at the foot of the Blue Mountains but he is off contract at the end of this season.
While Cooper could well find himself in a Cowboys jersey next year, Parramatta tyro Justin Horo will not.
The 23-year-old lock has also been linked to the club in 2010 with the salary cap likely to squeeze him out of the Eels because of their push for union star Quade Cooper.
He had been discussed by the football department, but no offer has or is expected to be tabled despite southern reports incorrectly stating that a two-year deal had already been tabled.
Horo is almost certain to be snapped up by Newcastle as part of their extensive recruitment drive.
The first major shake-up in the Cowboys hierarchy will come in the fitness department, with Benton almost certain to be added to the ranks on a consultancy basis in the off-season.
It is understood strength and conditioning coach Billy Johnstone and athletic performance manager Glen Murphy will keep their jobs in the reshuffle, but will need to heed the advice of Benton.
Benton is currently working as a consultant in Japanese rugby after walking out on the Broncos in April. He is largely credited for their fitness in the run to the 2006 premiership.
Meanwhile online rumours that executive director Peter Parr was set to stand down yesterday were quashed by the club yesterday.
Senior management said the claims were untrue and a final outcome from last week's board meeting was still some days away.
Football manager Dean Lance's contract expires at the end of the season and it is not expected he will be offered an extension, with Parr already having been offered his position.
A decision on who will be chief executive moving forward is still in the works.
