Earlier this season North Queensland poached promising Roosters playmaker Tyson Walker, the younger brother of first-grade halfback Sam.
Now the Cowboys have done it again, luring another up and coming Rooster to Townsville as they continue to reshape their roster in hope of a significantly improved 2026 NRL season.
Outside back Ethan King confirmed on SEN radio he will link the Cowboys in the hope of securing more game time in first-grade, having featured in just two matches for Trent Robinson’s NRL squad in 2025.
“I’m very excited (about the move),” King told SEN.
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“They (Cowboys) probably haven’t had the best year, but they’ve got a really great squad and they play a great style of footy,” he continued.
“I’m really keen to get up there and put my best foot forward and try to crack that side.”
Born in Sydney but growing up in Far North Queensland, King played junior footy with the Central Cape Suns in Weipa on the western edge of Cape York Peninsula.
The son of retired NRL player Andrew King, Ethan is also the nephew of former players Chris King and 2025 NSW Blues assistant coach Matt King.
Named as an NRL reserve twelve times this season—but only playing twice—the 22-year-old has spent the majority of 2025 at fullback in NSW Cup and is 18th man for the resurgent Roosters in their Round 25 clash against Parramatta.