Jillaroos and Queensland representative Tallisha Harden has joined North Queensland for their inaugural NRLW season on a one-year contract.
Harden, 30, was a member of Brisbane's NRLW foundation squad in 2018 and 2020 premiership team.
She has represented her state five times, including in the most recent Women's State of Origin match last June, and played for Australia on the run to 2022 World Cup glory.
Harden is also a former captain of the Indigenous All Stars, for whom she has lined up six times.
She joins Newcastle premiership-winners Kirra Dibb and Emma Manzelmann as key signings for the Cowboys, who are one of four new sides entering the expanded 10-team premiership this season.
Cowboys mentor Ben Jeffries coached Harden during her time with the Indigenous All Stars and expects her to play a pivotal role nurturing the development of the North Queensland roster, which has an average age of only 22.
"The experience and knowledge Tallisha will bring to our group will be priceless," he said.
"With her international and Origin experience, Tallisha understands what it takes to play in big games and prepare weekly for the NRLW.
"On the field Tallisha is renowned for her tireless defensive work rate. We are looking forward to having her don Cowboys colours in 2023."
Each NRLW side has until May 24 to finalise its top-24 rosters.