North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr will continue his successful association with the club with the announcement today of his appointment as Non-Executive Director to the Cowboys Board. Parr will vacate his role as Director of Football at the end of 2020 and assume his board position and the concurrent role of Chair of the club’s new Football Committee at the start of the 2021 season.
In announcing Parr’s dual appointments, Chairman Lewis Ramsay said the club was thrilled to retain the wealth of experience and knowledge that Parr has acquired over his prosperous tenure with the club which began in November of 2001.
“It gives me great pleasure today to announce that Peter Parr, the best footy brain in the NRL, will continue to advise and guide the strategic decisions of our club and our football department in his roles as Non-Executive Board Director and Chair of our Football Committee which will operate as a sub-committee of our Board,” he said.
“The Cowboys Football Committee will operate in an advisory capacity to the board and has been established to ensure the optimal function of the football department. In his role as Chair, Peter will ensure the committee provides strategic advice to the board on a range of football department processes, policies and procedures.
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Peter for the invaluable contributions he has made to the Cowboys in the numerous operational and executive roles he has held since November of 2001, most recently as Director of Football.
“Peter has overseen the club’s appearance in 10 finals series and three grand finals as well the delivery of a maiden premiership to our region.
“Unquestionably, the Cowboys story is richer for his involvement and our players and staff are more courageous, resilient and sharper for his counsel.”
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said today marked an important day in recognising the club-defining impact that Parr had on the Cowboys and the club will announce the operational changes prompted by Parr’s new appointments early the following week.
“If you review the pivotal players, staff and milestones in the club’s history, the unmistakable common thread throughout them is Peter Parr. He has this incredible talent of bringing good people together and creating magic – both inside and outside of the football department,” he said.
“Matt Sing, Paul Rauhihi, Kevin Campion, Matthew Bowen, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Billy Johnstone, Graham Murray, Paul Green, the list goes on, would not have been a part of the Cowboys if it wasn’t for the hand and the heart of Peter.
“When you look at all of the “firsts” of the Club – first final, first grand final, first time we beat the Broncos, first Premiership – Peter was right in the midst of them, steering, supporting and problem-solving.
“His ability to sniff out talent, negotiate a deal, shape boys into men and connect with all stakeholders inside and outside the club, has been vital to the club’s success on and off the field.”
Director of Football Peter Parr said he was humbled by the new appointments and was grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the club.
“It has been my absolute privilege to be a part of the Cowboys for nearing on two decades and during that time bear witness to some of the greatest careers in the NRL and work with so many talented and committed players, coaches and staff,” he said.
“When I look back over my time here, I marvel at how far we’ve come from such modest beginnings. However, we’re not done yet and I’m humbled that the board has asked me to continue to be involved in the club’s ongoing journey.
“I am honoured to accept a position on the board and lead the important work of the new sub-committee. I’m as passionate as ever about ensuring the Cowboys continue to be a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field and will undertake my new commitments with that goal squarely in my focus.”
