Townsville has been buzzing since the club announced it had succeeded in landing the former Liverpool and Leeds United striker.

Although his marquee status means the funds have to be found to pay his salary, there is no question that such a big name can only help efforts to secure sponsors for the A-League new boys.

The club's CEO has revealed that process is already underway. Dean Hassell told the Townsville Bulletin: "He does open up some doors for us, there's no question there.

"We've already been talking to some companies who have a history with Robbie and it certainly helps open those doors further."

Townsville already has strong sporting representation in both League and the NBL through the North Queensland Cowboys and Townsville Crocs.

But far from seeing Fowler and the Fury as potential threats to their share of the sporting cake, the clubs believe his (and Fury's) arrival simply adds to the area's profile.

Cowboys executive director Peter Parr said: "His presence will obviously give them an enormous boost and give the community and the profile of Townsville an enormous boost."