Jones heads north

North Queensland have moved quickly to find a replacement for the injured Brent Tate by signing Roosters utility Ben Jones.

Jones, 20, is a former Junior Kangaroos captain who made his senior debut for the Tricolours in 2008 and can play in a variety of positions.

He joins the Cowboys on a two year deal will commence training with the squad in Townsville immediately.

A statement on the Cowboys website said: “His ability to play centre, five-eighth and hooker will be of great benefit, with Test centre Brent Tate out for a large part of the season as he recovers from a third knee reconstruction.

“Jones played for the Indigenous All Stars last year under Cowboys coach Neil Henry and also impressed General Manager – Football Peter Parr during his role as manager of the junior Australia Kangaroos late last year.”

Despite his adaptability, Jones struggled to make an impression in 2010 due mainly to the form of Jake Friend, Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney.

A statement on the Roosters website read: “Jones has been with the Club since his junior representative years and although we are sad to see him leave, we wish him all the best for his future at the Cowboys.”