North Queensland Cowboys prepare for life after Matt Bowen THE Cowboys are investigating post-football opportunities for Matt Bowen in the strongest sign yet the veteran fullback will retire at season's end. The development comes as the club gets ready for life after Bowen by discussing the prospect of a multi-year deal with Penrith custodian Lachlan Coote. Bowen's manager Wayne Beavis said the 31-year-old's future would be determined over the next week, most likely after North Queensland's clash with the Titans on Saturday night. The Courier-Mail understands Bowen will not be offered a new deal, with club medical records and training data indicating his battle-weary knees would struggle to cope in the NRL next year. The Cowboys are doing everything possible to support the No. Mindful of his status as a homegrown club legend, North Queensland are lining up post-football employment for Bowen, who could work in an ambassadorial role with indigenous youth. Since returning from injury a month ago, Bowen has lifted his form but his statistical output remains down on his standards of excellence. The most capped player in Cowboys history made just 29 metres from seven runs against Souths a fortnight ago before registering 65 metres from six runs in last week's 36-4 thumping of Penrith. Former Test pivot Matthew Johns urged NRL rivals to throw Bowen a lifeline if, as expected, the Cowboys cannot offer him a playing contract for next season. "I would hate to see Matty lost to the game,"" Johns said. If he has the desire to go around again, I think he has one more season left in him. I know Matt has problems with his knees and he isn't the player he used to be, but I don't see that many good attacking players in the competition that a club couldn't benefit having him around. Matthew Bowen in action for the Cowboys. Picture: Liam Driver He has been a wonderful player. If there is a dozen good games left in Matty, hopefully the Cowboys or someone can give him that opportunity."" The Cowboys are giving Bowen every opportunity to prove he warrants a new deal. But the club has also made contingency moves, securing Northern Pride fullback Hezron Murgha and 20-year-old Zac Santo to two-year deals in the past month. Now Coote, a fullback or five-eighth, is on the radar. The Cowboys have yet to table a formal offer for the 23-year-old but have discussed a possible three-year deal, subject to a final decision on Bowen. Coote is interested in a move north but is waiting for a definitive call on Bowen and the appointment of the new Cowboys coach before brokering any deal. Departing Cowboys coach Neil Henry said recently it was vital the club had a succession plan for Bowen, who has scored 127 tries from 265 NRL games since his debut in 2001. "Whether or not Coote is a good fit for the club, whether or not we can afford him in the salary cap who knows,"" he said. No formal offer has been made, he is a player Penrith are apparently willing to let go. He's coming off the back of injury, but who knows (if Coote will sign), it's only speculation at the moment. It (fullback) is a key position in the team and you need to fill it with a very competent player. We might have to fill it within our own ranks if there is no one available out there who is ready-made to step in. "You can't replicate Matty Bowen, what you need is a competent fullback and that is what we are looking for.""