Granville's future in limbo as Cowboys poach utility

Jake Granville's time at the Cowboys looks to be coming to an end as Sea Eagles hooker Karl Lawton prepares to make the move North.

Twenty-eight-year-old Lawton has agreed to the terms of a two-year deal at the Cowboys, with Granville off contract at the end of this season.

Granville was a crucial player in the Cowboys' premiership success in 2015 and also took to the field in the club's 2017 grand final defeat.

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The fan-favourite will celebrate his 36th birthday this year, and the Cowboys seem to be looking to the future — adding depth to their utility roster. 

Lawton made his NRL debut in 2016 with the Titans. He played 12 games at the club before moving to the Warriors, where he remained between 2018-20.

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His versatility to slide into any position on the field earned him a spot in Manly's starting lineup this season, as the star remains hopeful he will leave the club with a premiership ring.

North Queensland boss Michael Luck refused to speak on Granville's future at the club, however said that Lawton's recruitment will make for a strong support and potential backup for Blues star Reece Robson during Origin commitments.

"We're pleased to have Karl coming to us next year," he said.

"We've already got Reece Robson who we think is a top-end hooker in the NRL and we have some good young kids coming through.

"Karl will fill that support role for Reece and also be a good mentor for our young players who will be NRL-ready in the coming years.

"We like Karl's competitiveness, fitness, skill and versatility.

"He does everything defensively that Todd (Payten, Cowboys coach) likes in a player so we're looking forward to having him."

Granville played his 200th game against the Gold Coast Titans in round four last season but has yet to make a call on his retirement plans.

The former Bronco joins several other top-liners on the market come November 1, including fellow Cowboys Chad Townsend, Kyle Feldt, Jordan McLean and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki — who is reportedly being poached by the Dolphins.

"We've been in the market for a hooker with a bit of experience and Karl brings that, plus a skill set," Luck said.

"He will be a valuable member of our squad."