Maitua, who had been planning to play for Samoa in the World Cup, underwent surgery on Monday night and is expected to be out of action for four months. The operation coincided with fresh speculation linking the former Australian Test lock to a move to North Queensland next season but Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg said he was confident Maitua would see out the remaining year of his contract with the club.

"He's contracted for next year," Greenberg said. "I've had some discussions with Reni and I know he was very disappointed by the Sonny Bill [Williams] thing but he said he was looking forward to next year."

Maitua, whose season has been limited to just 14 matches because of injury and disciplinary issues, had previously sought permission to explore other opportunities but Bulldogs officials believed his frustrations were largely due the fact he wasn't playing.

The Cowboys, who have already snared Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga on a three-year deal, are understood to be operating below the salary cap this season and have further money to spend following the departure of forwards Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere, Sione Faumuina and David Faiumu.

Melbourne prop Antonio Kaufusi is believed to be another player targeted by North Queensland and it is understood the Storm would be prepared to release the former Kangaroos representative to help alleviate salary cap pressure. But Kaufusi has also been linked to South Sydney and Parramatta as a replacement for prop Fuifui Moimoi if he decides to take up an offer to go to England.

The Storm have been in talks with Warrington and Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson, who grew up in Queensland and is keen to play in the NRL, but are unable to make him an offer due to salary cap restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys will welcome back skipper Johnathan Thurston (knee) for Saturday night's clash with Gold Coast but his Titans counterpart, Scott Prince (broken arm), has been forced to delay his return for another week.

Hooker Nathan Friend was named at halfback and will partner the returning Mat Rogers (suspension) at the scrumbase, with 16-year-old high school student Jordan Rankin omitted from the Gold Coast squad after becoming the third youngest player in premiership history when he made his NRL debut in Monday night's 32-12 loss to Newcastle.

In other team news, Roosters coach Brad Fittler has named a monster pack for Friday night's trip to Melbourne, with NSW and Australia prop Willie Mason selected at lock. Mark O'Meley, David Shillington, Lopini Paea and Anthony Tupou have also been named to start, with skipper Craig Fitzgibbon out with an ankle injury.

Another inspirational back-rower, Micheal Luck, is also sidelined after a shoulder injury ended his run of 70 consecutive matches for the Warriors.

Tigers captain Brett Hodgson (calf) returns for Monday night's clash with the Eels after a month on the sidelines. And the Bulldogs will blood a sixth debutant this season against Penrith, with 23-year-old Reece Blayney named on the bench in place of Aaron Groom (hamstring).