Parramatta is set to make a play for North Queensland superstar Kalyn Ponga, believing the rising rookie is the last missing piece in their quest for a drought-breaking premiership.

Ponga is contracted to the Cowboys until the end of next year, but will be one of the hottest young talents on the open market. The 18-year-old can officially field interest from rival clubs from November 1 and it is understood Canterbury, St George Illawarra, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are already preparing to battle the Cowboys for his signature.

The unprecedented interest extends to the representative arena, where the Kangaroos and Kiwis are in a tug of war for his services.

While the Cowboys are hoping to groom the teenage tyro into Johnathan Thurston's long-term replacement, the freakish fullback is no certainty of remaining on the northern side of the Tweed River.