North Queensland coach Neil Henry has wished released forwards Antonio Kaufusi and Manase Manuokafoa all the best as they leave to immediately link up with rival NRL clubs.

Kaufusi has joined Newcastle and gives the Knights some much needed depth in the front row after the off-season departures of Chris Houston and Danny Wicks and the long-term injury to Evarn Tuimavave.

Manuokafoa is to join the Parramatta Eels, with a deal expected to be finalised in the coming days.

The two Tongan internationals came to the Cowboys in 2009 with a great opportunity, but both failed to meet expectations.

Henry said he hopes things work out for the pair as they look to further their careers elsewhere.

"Both Manase Manuokafoa and Antonio Kaufusi have sought and been granted a release from their contracts at the club and on behalf of the club we wish them all the best at their new clubs and for them and their families for the rest of the season," Henry said.

"They've been granted a release and we will move on. We thank them for their time here at the club and they're grateful for that too.

"They've been in and addressed the boys and they'll be moving on to another chapter in their football lives. These things happen in footy and we wish them all the best."

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