DESPITE being only 23-years-old Matthew Wright was on rugby league’s scrap heap eight weeks ago.

His Cronulla club decided not to re-sign him and reserve grade clubs weren’t even chasing him.

Wright was close to hanging up his rugby league boots in early February and had begun searching for a nine-to-five.

Then, Cowboys coach Paul Green called.

On Monday, just two months after signing with North Queensland, Wright scored a try on debut for the Cowboys to cap a remarkable turn-around.

A Junior Kangaroos representative in 2010, Wright was tipped for stardom after dominating the junior ranks in Penrith.

News_Image_File: Matthew Wright scored a try on his debut for the Cowboys.

But after a short stint with the Panthers and three years with Cronulla, his once blossoming career appeared over when his phone stayed silent for months.

However, a connection to Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr saw the 190cm utility back picked-up as a replacement for axed winger Wayne Ulugia.

“I was at home, training on my own and trying to do things to keep fit but it wasn’t the same,” Wright said of his rugby league purgatory.

“I was on my own just looking around for an opportunity with a club.

“I still had to keep my hopes up that a club would come around.

“It was pretty hard, knowing the season was coming around pretty fast and I was without a club.

“It was getting to the stage, where I thought I’ll have to get a job.

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“My manager spoke to a few clubs and North Queensland gave me the nod. I just worked my butt off.

“I kept praying and thankfully North Queensland came around.

“When I came up here they tested me out and I was a bit behind the eight-ball.

“It all came around quickly. I’m very grateful to the Cowboys.”

Wright played alongside fellow Cowboys Cameron King and Tariq Sims in the 2010 Junior Kangaroos, which was managed by Parr.

His performance against the Knights was exactly what Green was searching for from his team, error free.

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Wright was brought in for the inconsistent Kyle Feldt and appears to have cemented his position.

“I wasn’t expecting it. I was pretty surprised,” Wright said of his call-up.

“I thought they were sticking with the same team.

“I feel good at the moment and I’m pretty happy.”

Wright is on a one year deal in North Queensland but said he had adjusted so quickly to his new club he was chasing an extended stay.

“Hopefully I get another contract with the Cowboys,” he said.

“I just need to play consistent footy now.”