Grant Rovelli has announced his departure from the Warriors, and has signed up with the North Queensland Cowboys for the next two years. The announcement follows the return of Stacy Jones to the Warriors, who looks set to take the halfback spot - providing he can make it through pre-season training.

Rovelli failed to set the world alight in 2008, and spent most of his time playing in the lower grades while trying to regain his form. With Nathan Fien and Michael Witt proving to be a worthy combination in the halves, Rovelli's only game time came off the bench, and those games were few and far between.

With the return of Jones, and the signing of Joel Moon and Liam Foran for 2009, it's no wonder Rovelli has decided to ply his trade elsewhere - although it's hard to see him playing at halfback for the Cowboys when you consider the firm grasp that Jonathan Thurston has on the position in Townsville.

Rovelli would be best to try and develop into a standoff where he could take over from Travis Burns, who has a knack for getting suspended. It would be a great learning curve for Rovelli playing along side Thurston.

The Cowboys' 2008 season was one they would want to forget, and it won't hurt them to bolster their halves, especially for when Thruston is off playing rep footy. Rovelli will be a fine asset for them over the next two years.

The Warriors have plenty of stock in the halves department, and will be able to move on from Rovelli quickly. Not hard, when you consider his form over the past twelve months - although in saying that he has provided plenty of great moments over the past few seasons, especially last year when he was without a doubt in his best form.

Rovelli will stay on in New Zealand for a few more weeks, as he and his wife await the arrival of their baby, before heading off to North Queensland.