The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year contract extension with life-member Gavin Cooper.
The 34-year-old will embark on his 11th season at the Cowboys and 15th in the NRL.
Cooper became the 37th player to join the NRL’s revered 300-club earlier this season and has appeared in 231 games for the Cowboys, which is the fifth most in club history.
The Murgon Mustangs junior has enjoyed a storied Cowboys career, starting in the second row in the historic 2015 grand final victory and captained the side in the 2017 decider.
Cooper is also just one of nine Cowboys life members and the most recently inducted after registering his 200th game for the club late in the 2018 season.
“We have a number of talented young edge back rowers at the club who we think are going to develop into really good NRL players and another year with Gavin is going to assist their development,” Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said.
“Re-signing Coops also ensures we retain a strong leader, which is important with Matthew Scott and Scott Bolton leaving the club at the end of the season.
“He has also played every game this year, so he’s stood the test of time and shown great durability and our medical staff see no reason why that can’t continue for another 12 months. When we weighed everything up, we thought another year was appropriate because of the value he brings on and off the field.”
Cooper said a number of factors played a part in his decision to play on in 2020.
“I still love playing footy and I still feel like I have a lot to offer the game,” he said.
“We have an exciting squad and the chance to mentor the younger players at our club is something that appeals to me.
“The opportunity to play at our new stadium in 2020 in front of Cowboys fans also played a part in our decision.”
