PROMISING young Melbourne Storm half Ben Hampton looks set to link with the North Queensland Cowboys next season on a multi-year deal with the reigning premiers.

The 24-year-old debuted for the Storm in 2013 and has racked up 28 games for the NRL heavyweights since then and his signing would significantly boost the playmaking stocks in North Queensland.

So far this season the multi-talented utility has appeared 12 times for the second-placed Storm and Melbourne’s loss is certainly the Cowboys gain as they add a top quality NRL talent who has his best years ahead of him.

The versatile Queenslander has impressed in an interchange role for the Storm, provided attacking spark and energy as part of a talent laden Melbourne team that boasts a formidable 14-3 record.

Hampton played his junior football in Mareeba and represented his state at the under-15, 16 and 18 level before being promoted to Melbourne’s first grade squad in 2012 and his addition will help the Cowboys as they prepare for life after the retirement of superstar half Johnathan Thurston.