The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have announced their 20-year team at the club’s 20th anniversary dinner held at Jupiters Townsville on Saturday night.
The team – featuring players from several Cowboys’ eras – was selected after much debate from a panel consisting of five former coaches: inaugural mentor Grant Bell, Tim Sheens, Murray Hurst, Neil Henry and current coach Paul Green.
Eleven of the 13 players were present at the event, with Matthew Bowen, who is playing for Wigan in the UK Super League, and Ty Williams unable to attend.
Cowboys General Manager – Football Peter Parr said the final selection of 13 players was sure to generate spirited debate among Cowboys members and fans.
“The 20th anniversary team mainly represents players from our most successful eras,” Parr said.
“And even though it will cause debate, I think it’s hard to argue against any of the selections.
“Given that the selection panel included coaches from the different eras, I think it was a fair and proper process, and we congratulate the players on their selection.”
The milestone team was introduced to the 1,000-strong crowd of special guests at the gala dinner, held under the stars on Jupiters’ lawns.
North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ 20-year team:
Fullback: Matthew Bowen
Wing: Ty Williams
Wing: Matt Sing
Centre: Brent Tate
Centre: Paul Bowman
Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston
Halfback: Nathan Fien
Prop: Matthew Scott
Prop: Paul Rauhihi
Hooker: Aaron Payne
Second Row: Luke O’Donnell
Second Row: Gavin Cooper
Lock: Travis Norton
Main image (L-R): Brent Tate, Paul Bowman, Matt Sing, Johnathan Thurston, Nathan Fien, Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, Paul Rauhihi, Luke O'Donnell, Gavin Cooper, Travis Norton
