Australian representative prop James Tamou and the North Queensland Cowboys have discussed the possibility of a mutual release which could free him to join the Canberra Raiders in 2016.
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But the Raiders would need to clear salary cap space to sign the NSW State of Origin forward, Cowboys coach Paul Green stating North Queensland would not be willing to compensate Tamou for any short-comings in a new NRL deal.
Green admitted on Tuesday that Tamou had discussed the potential for an early release from his Cowboys contract, which expires at the end of 2016.
Green also said Tamou's welfare would be the main consideration in any decision.
While Tamou has told the Cowboys he would be prepared to honour his contract, it's understood he is desperate to be closer to family for he and his partner, Brittney McGlone.
McGlone is pregnant with the couple's second baby and her parents live in Braidwood, close to Canberra.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is a big fan of Tamou, having coached him with the NSW Blues.
The Raiders have already released veteran prop Dane Tilse, who will join English club Hull Kingston Rovers after this weekend's match against the Wests Tigers. Prop David Shillington is also off contract at the end of the year and, if re-signed, would need to take a big pay-cut.
The Raiders have already added two major recruits for next year, Gold Coast Titans half Aidan Sezer and England representative forward Elliott Whitehead. The club has signalled its intention to sign as many as two more players, including an outside back, in the next few weeks.
While media reports have linked Parramatta fullback Will Hopoate to Canberra, it's appearing likely he will re-sign with the Eels.
