MOMENTS after signing a new North Queensland deal, Test prop Matt Scott admitted he put the heat on fellow co-captain Johnathan Thurston to do the same.

Scott — 32 in July — is set to become a Cowboy for life after securing a new two-year contract with the NRL club.

The Cowboys have now locked down Scott, Melbourne forward Jordan McLean and Queensland Origin prospect Coen Hess until the end of 2019.

Reigning Dally M medallist Jason Taumalolo is also signed until 2027. But there is one glaring omission in the Cowboys’ recruitment drive — the inspirational Thurston.

Round 19

The Test and Queensland playmaker has indicated he wants to play on until at least the end of 2018 but is yet to put pen to paper.

Scott admitted that as soon as his future was settled he started pressuring Thurston on his next contract.

Cowboys co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott at training. Picture: Zak Simmonds Source: News Corp Australia

“I texted him yesterday saying I’ve re-signed and it’s up to him now,” Scott told reporters on Thursday.

“I’m sure it’s not far off. He’s not the type of guy the club would let go and it’d be great to finish our careers up here.

“It’s up to him in the end, but I’m pretty confident he’ll get the job done.”

The signatures the Cowboys have already secured were enough to convince Scott to stay in north Queensland.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover break down where it’s all gone wrong for the Bulldogs and the roster moves they need to make to become premiership contenders again.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

Newcastle reportedly withdrew a lucrative three-year offer after Scott suffered a season-ending knee injury a fortnight ago, while giant Storm prop McLean arrives next year on a two-year deal.

Rising star Hess’ contract extension and Taumalolo’s massive deal also provided a shot in the arm for a Cowboys pack reeling from James Tamou’s Penrith defection and Ben Hannant’s retirement.

“It’s very exciting and that was a big reason (to re-sign),” Scott said.

“You look at the squad moving forward and the talent coming through, and McLean who’s coming up here, it’s exciting times ahead.”

Knee rehabilitation is not stopping Scott from working with the current pack of forwards as a sideline mentor.

“It’s important I stay connected with the group, especially with the young forwards we have coming through,” Scott said, heaping praise on Patrick Kaufusi, Sam Hoare and veteran Scott Bolton.

“I do that naturally as a co-captain but I’ve got an opportunity now where I can really add my voice to the coaches and be more specific in areas our front- rowers can concentrate on.”

Live stream the Cowboys round 5 clash with the Rabbitohs on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL PLAY trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!