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Cowboys NRL veteran Cooper to ride again

3 minute read

North Queensland veteran Gavin Cooper has committed to play on in 2020, signing a one-year contract extension with the NRL club.

GAVIN COOPER of the Cowboys is tackled during the NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
GAVIN COOPER of the Cowboys is tackled during the NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Veteran NRL back-rower Gavin Cooper has signed on to play another season for North Queensland.

The 34-year-old, who became the 37th player to play 300 NRL games earlier this season, has committed to his 11th season at the Cowboys and 15th in first grade.

Cooper's re-signing is a boost to the Cowboys with fellow 2015 premiership players Matt Scott and Scott Bolton having already confirmed this year will be their last.

"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.

"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 has played 231 games for the Cowboys and made six State of Origin appearances for Queensland between 2016 and 2018.

"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."

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