North Queensland Cowboys favourite Gavin Cooper to retire at season’s end

North Queensland Cowboys forward Gavin Cooper will hang up his boots at the end of the 2020 season.

The 35-year-old has made 321 appearances in the NRL over a 15-year career which has seen him represent Gold Coast Titans, Penrith Panthers and the Cowboys. He has played six times for Queensland in the Origin arena.

Cooper said: “I’ve enjoyed a lot of success here at the Cowboys and I had the chance to leave a couple of times, but I always felt a strong connection to the club and community and North Queensland was where I wanted to raise my young family.

“The 2015 Grand Final is the memory which sticks out for obvious reasons, but there were a number of other periods during my time at the club I look back on really fondly.

“The run through to the 2017 Grand Final and to see some of the young kids we had in our squad that year grow up really quickly was very special. My 300th game down in Gosford when Jake Clifford stepped up and kicked a field goal for us to win against the Roosters and all the golden point games against the Broncos are other memories which stick out.

“There’s a long list of people I’d like to thank for their contributions to my career, but I don’t want to single anyone out right now, that is something I would like to do in person down the track.

“I would like to thank the Cowboys as well as all the club’s members, fans and partners for their support during my time at the club. I’ve enjoyed every second of my time as a Cowboy.

“I’ve got two more opportunities to wear Cowboys colours and I’m going to give it my all like I always have with that jersey on and hopefully finish on a high.”

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