Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned North Queensland against signing Cronulla fullback Valentine Holmes.

The PM's unlikely intervention comes as the Cowboys reportedly prepare to table Holmes a $3.6 million deal.

Holmes is off-contract at the end of the 2019 season, meaning rival clubs are free to sign him for 2020, with the November 1 window now open.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Townsville, Mr Morrison, an avid Cronulla supporter, made a light-hearted plea to the local media.

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"I make one humble request of the people of Townsville," Mr Morrison said.

"In relation to all this, is you've got to let me keep Valentine Holmes at the Sharks, OK.

"That's the one thing I ask, OK?

"I know he's a Townsville boy but he's having a great time down there with my boys at the Sharks.

"Let Val stay, and let's get on with the projects."

Watch Morrison's plea to the Cowboys below:

.@ScottMorrisonMP: I make one humble request to the people of Townsville – you have to let Valentine Holmes stay at the Sharks. He’s having a great time down there with my boys.



MORE: https://t.co/cpd2Kh6lS4 #SkyLiveNow pic.twitter.com/ghq8ui2lOJ — Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 7, 2018





But while Mr Morrison's instructions were tongue-in-cheek, they're expected to fall on deaf ears, with the Cowboys widely considered to have Holmes over the line, even though it isn't yet official.

North Queensland's decision to sign fullback Ben Barba on only a one-year deal in 2019 is a key indicator that Holmes will join the club in the following season.

It seems Barba will be keeping the North Queensland No.1 jersey warm for his fellow Queenslander.

Holmes was also born in Townsville and his family lives there, adding to the Cowboys' appeal for the 23-year-old.

Mr Morrison wasn't the only high-profile figure to enter into the debate over Holmes.

Even Cowboys great and future Immortal Johnathan Thurston chimed in, labelling Holmes the Cowboys' missing ingredient.