NORTHERN Pride second-rower Ben Spina will have an opportunity to kick-start his NRL career after he was offered a train-and-trial contract with the Cowboys.

Spina will report to pre-season training in Townsville on November 5, after his brilliant year in the Intrust Super Cup caught the eye of Cowboys' recruiters.

The 24-year-old was given the good news on Thursday and was still on a high yesterday

"I've just worked so hard for it. I was disappointed for a while because you start to think you're not getting anywhere," Spina said.

"But then all of a sudden the phone call comes."

Spina's workaholic performances this season saw him named the Pride's Player of the Year, Players' Player and Best Forward at the club's end-of-season dinner last month.

The train-and-trial contract is the same type that was offered to former Pride teammate Joel Riethmuller, who proved to the Cowboys at the start of 2011 he was worthy of a spot on the club's roster.

Spina wants nothing less and has until Christmas to make his case.

And if there's one thing the Herbert River junior isn't scared of, it's work.

"I've always sort of tried to do that little bit extra, especially training in my own time," Spina said.

"Sometimes you do get sick of it and you start to wonder 'What's the point?'

"But then something like this happens and it all becomes worthwhile."

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