Cowboys throw Faumuina a lifeline

Former New Zealand international Sione Faumuina has been thrown a lifeline after North Queensland confirmed it had secured his signature for the next two seasons.

Faumuina has signed with the Cowboys until the end of 2008 and attended training for the first time today. North Queensland coach Graham Murray says Faumuina's arrival has further strengthened his squad for next season.

Faumuina has been battling personal problems for the past year that resulted in him being dumped by the Warriors in August and walking out on English Super League side Harlequins several months later.