With the man known as 'God' a confirmed capture for the next two seasons, Fury are hoping it sends out a message to others about the club's intent.

Scott Chipperfield is the other big name on the Fury radar and Ferguson admits Fowler's recruitment cannot do any harm on that score.

He told the Townsville Bulletin: "I think so. But I would like players to come here because they want to, not because I have a certain player.

"But I am sure at the back of some players' minds they will be thinking 'they've got Robbie Fowler, how good is it?'.

"I spoke to Scott (Chipperfield) a couple of days ago and he is definitely still interested

Ferguson feels the A-League has never quite managed to recapture the magic that a star like Dwight Yorke brought to the competitiion in its first year.

He said: "When he (Dwight Yorke) left it was disappointing and I don't think we have ever replaced someone like Dwight Yorke (as an A-League star/marquee).

"But this boy is on a par with Dwight, actually I think he is better, but I am biased."