The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a two-year contract extension with middle forward Sam McIntyre, running through the end of the 2026 season.

McIntyre arrived in North Queensland mid-way through the 2023 season after stints at the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans.

The 26-year-old appeared in two games in his maiden season at the Cowboys, but after a standout pre-season has forced his way into Todd Payten’s first-choice 17 in 2024.

While McIntyre has played almost exclusively middle forward at the Cowboys, he also has spent time at second row and hooker at NRL level at his previous clubs and appeared in the centres to close out North Queensland’s Round 3 victory over the Dragons.

“Sam came to our club looking for an opportunity and has impressed everyone in the building through his professionalism, work ethic and what he’s done on the field both at Queensland Cup level and now in the NRL,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.

“Sam is a big body, he’s skillful and he can play a number of positions and players with that versatility are tremendously valuable in today’s game.

“We’re thrilled he’s decided to extend his stay in North Queensland.”