The Cowboys are attempting to bolster their pack depth after Queensland forward Matt Scott suffered a facial fracture in their second State of Origin loss last Wednesday. Club officials are hopeful he will recover in time to play a part in the side's push for the finals, although an exact return date hasn't been set. The Cowboys are scouring the market for replacements and have earmarked Learoyd-Lahrs as one of their first preferences. They will need to finalise an offer shortly, as the mid-season transfer window closes on Monday.

"We're aware of the June 30 deadline and we are considering our options," North Queensland chief executive Peter Jourdain said.

In his prime, Learoyd-Larhs was one of the most damaging props in the game. The 28-year-old has represented Country, NSW, Australia and the Indigenous All Stars in a decade-long NRL career. However, he hasn't played for his state or country for two years and has been plagued by a series of injuries, including one to his foot which restricted him to just eight games last year. His luck hasn't changed under new Raiders coach Ricky Stuart when an ankle problem sidelined the former Bronco for the opening rounds.

Learoyd-Lahrs is one of the higher-paid players on the books of the Green Machine and officials would consider releasing him to free up salary cap space. The Tamworth product has again been overlooked for selection for the side to take on Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday, with young props Kyle O'Donnell and Paul Vaughan preferred on the bench.

North Queensland are desperate for reinforcements after losing Scott, Brent Tate, Cameron King, Gavin Cooper and Lachlan Coote to long-term injuries. However, it has been reported that St George Illawarra could be another suitor for Learoyd-Lahrs' services.

The Cowboys are also eyeing off other potential forward recruits before deciding whether to grant a release request from Tariq Sims, who is hoping to move his young family to Sydney next year.

It's expected there will be a late flurry of player movement in coming days but one player staying put is Peter Mata'utia. The manager of the Dragons outside back requested an immediate release from the club as five rivals were prepared to sign him, some with a view to a mid-season transfer. However, Red V powerbrokers blocked any poaching attempts.

The Cowboys will lose one of their own three-quarters after Curtis Rona agreed to join Canterbury from next season. Rona has been solid on the wing during his brief NRL career and has accepted an opportunity to develop his game further under Des Hasler.