North Queensland keep utility forward

North Queensland have announced utility forward Reuben Cotter has signed a three-year deal, keeping him at the club until the end of 2025.

The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Sarina Crocodiles before making the move to the Cowboys Under-20s side in 2016.

Three years later, he made his debut for the first team in a 22-20 defeat against Manly. He ended up making five appearances for the club that year.

He backed that with 10 appearances in 2020. The forward made the move to hooker that year, and played an important part in the run in after the restart.

Cotter made less appearances in 2021 after picking up a foot injury in round five. In that match against Wests Tigers, he played through the pain barrier, and put in a Man-of-the-Match performance as the Cowboys won 34-20.

He also made his debut for the Indigenous All Stars in 2021. He played 46 minutes in a 10-10 draw against a Maori side.

Overall, he has made 21 appearances for the Cowboys in the NRL.

Cowboys predicting big future for Cotter

Talking to the club website, General Manager Michael Luck said: “We’re thrilled Reuben has extended for a further three seasons. He had significant interest from other clubs, but expressed his desire to remain here and we were able to get a deal done quickly.

“Reuben is a North Queensland kid who has all the characteristics we’re looking to build this club around. He’s tough, resilient, hard-working and loyal, which are the features we are looking to instill in our playing group.

“We also view him as a potential future leader of our club. Reuben has endured more setbacks to start his career than most would in a decade in the NRL, but the resilience he has shown to not only overcome serious injury, but develop into a crucial member of our squad has been phenomenal.”

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