THE Cowboys have thrown Ben Hannant a second lifeline with an extended deal to finish his career in Townsville.

The club has begun negotiations with the veteran prop as he prepares for Monday night’s clash against the Eels.

Nine months ago, “Polar Bear” Hannant appeared headed for retirement after salary cap constraints at the Broncos left him in limbo.

The 30-year-old prop never expected a call from Cowboys coach Paul Green, but the late approach saved his NRL career and boosts North Queensland’s prop rotation.

Hannant has been a consistent performer all season but his past fortnight has been outstanding. He amassed 145m and 41 tackles in the Cowboys’ gutsy away win over the Dragons in round 17 before a season-best 154m against Manly last Monday night.

Hannant is off contract deep into the season for the second straight year but Cowboys recruitment chief Peter Parr insists the ex-Test prop has a future in Townsville.

“We have been rapt with Ben and our intention is to sign him,” Parr said. “It hasn’t progressed to the stage of signing a deal, but we’re in dialogue now and I’m really hopeful that we can keep Benny here.

“Given the strength of our squad, it’s difficult to get all the stars to align under the salary cap, but hopefully we can table a deal that will ensure Ben wants to stay here.”

Hannant lost his way under former Broncos coach Anthony Griffin, who thought Hannant lacked aggression.

Green has extracted the best from the 210-game NRL stalwart who has provided crucial support for Matt Scott and James Tamou.

“I knew I could perform for the Cowboys,” Hannant said.

“I’ve been honest with myself and looked at ways I could improve.”