North Queensland Cowboys back-rower Gavin Cooper

A club stalwart, a three-hundred gamer and a crowd favourite; North Queensland love him and Gavin Cooper will go around for an 11th season.

Cooper has re-signed for the 2020 season and will add to his 231 games for the Cowboys, currently the fifth most capped player.

With both Matthew Scott and Scott Bolton departing the club, retaining experience was crucial for the club.

“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.”

Despite his age, Cooper has shown his durability by playing every game in 2019, and this factored in their decision.

“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,” Parr continued.

“When we weighed everything up, we thought another year was appropriate because of the value he brings on and off the field.”

Mentoring the young squad coming through, playing in a new stadium and other factors all influenced Cooper’s decision.

“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.”

By ricky

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