FAVOURITE son Matt Bowen has two games to save his career as Cowboys hierarchy confront one of the most complex contract negotiations in the club's 18-year history.

After months of uncertainty surrounding Bowen's future, recruitment chief Peter Parr says the coming weeks will provide a definitive answer on whether the fullback magician remains in the NRL next season.

Bowen, the most capped player in Cowboys history with 261 NRL games, is keen to extend his career in Townsville for at least another 12 months.

But the Cowboys still have not tabled a new deal.

The Courier-Mail understands the club's medical reports, coupled with Bowen's training data this season, indicate his reconstructed knees will struggle to cope with another NRL campaign in 2014.

By virtue of his gravitas and popularity at the Cowboys, the club is reluctant to push Bowen out the door.

However, D-day has arrived for the former Maroons custodian, whose upcoming performances will make or break his contract hopes.

Bowen could rush back from knee surgery against Canberra on Sunday, although it is more likely the subsequent games against Manly and Brisbane will determine if he is forced into retirement.

"In the next few weeks we can make an assessment on where Matthew is going," Parr said.

"Matthew and I have had a fair few discussions about it, so we're all clear on where it is going and what the time frame will be.

"It has gone on a bit longer than it has for a normal NRL player because of the status he has, not only for the club but throughout the region.

"We'll continue to show him the respect he deserves. Clearly we are getting closer to a decision on whether he continues to play at the club or not, but we are giving him every opportunity."

Despite having outlaid millions to secure Origin quartet Johnathan Thurston, Brent Tate, Matt Scott and James Tamou, it is understood the Cowboys have salary cap room to accommodate Bowen.

Parr assured Bowen, 31, a final call on his future would not be taken out of his hands.

"The decision will be made in consultation with Matthew, his manager and the appropriate people at this club, including medical staff," the Cowboys football manager said.

"The decision will be one of consultation, not where we make the final decision for him.

"We're hopeful that Matthew will play next Sunday against Canberra, if not the week after against Manly.

"He's had some good sessions on the knee, he's going well, but he will have to do a bit more contact.

"Unfortunately, everyone who is looking for an answer will have to have some patience."

Halfback Robert Lui, one of Bowen's closest confidantes at the Cowboys, says the veteran fullback is being tight-lipped about his future.

"I wish he can play with us for a couple more years," he said.

"I'm pretty close with Matty and whatever decision he makes, I will back him up 100 per cent.

"Matty doesn't really talk about his future when we catch up, we talk about life and other things.

"It's a hard decision for the club. I can't see Matty without a Cowboys jersey on, but he needs to do what is best for himself and his family."