Last-minute medical checks are all that stand in the way of Manly picking up North Queensland utility back Ben Farrar in an immediate swap for winger Michael Bani.

North Queensland football general manager Dean Lance admitted the cautious Cowboys could sign off on the mid-season switch as early as Thursday afternoon.

Farrar, seen as Brett Stewart's fullback replacement, could even be turning out for the Sea Eagles in Saturday night's NRL clash with the Roosters at Brookvale Oval.

Lance said only proper due process on final medical checks on Bani had prevented an announcement of new deals for the pair through to the end of 2011.

"He's been given a medical clearance but it's going to take until tomorrow before we get a fully-fledged clearance," he said.

"We just have to double check a few things.

"We really want to take our time on it, we don't want to make a rushed decision.

"The deal's nearly done, it's just a matter of a couple of little things we've got to fix up and when they're done, we'll make an announcement."

Until then, Farrar - who has been chosen on the wing to play Souths in Townsville on Saturday night - remains in limbo.

"At this stage Ben's out there training with our guys this afternoon but when a definite decision's made tomorrow he could be packing his bags for Manly," Lance said.

Farrar's likely departure is set to open the door for former Queensland winger Ty Williams to gain an NRL recall after displaying good form in the Queensland Cup.

Torres Strait Islander Bani, required to bolster NQ's barren wing stocks, was a permanent fixture for Manly at the start of 2008 before injury allowed David Williams his opportunity.

With Farrar, the nephew of former NSW and Canterbury centre Andrew Farrar, hailing from Newcastle the Manly-initiated switch would see both move closer to their families.

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