One-liner proves Cowboys’ mood

GAVIN Cooper channels an iconic Will Ferrell character when rating the Cowboys’ 2017 conclusion, but the veteran is all business when broaching next season’s plans.

“Ricky Bobby said ‘if you’re not first, you’re last’,” the Queensland Origin star mused, referencing cult comedy Talladega Nights.

It’s a throwaway line about North Queensland’s doomed tilt at an NRL miracle, yet it says everything about the ambition now embedded into the heart of the powerhouse squad.

With the world’s best player, Johnathan Thurston, set to join star prop Matt Scott in returning in 2018, the Cowboys will be primed to cast aside the painful memories of Melbourne’s grand final triumph.

“It’s a funny one and I still look back on it with shaded eyes,” former Titan Cooper said.

“People pat us on the back for making it that far (to the decider). But it’s a strange one because ... I keep reminding them that we lost the grand final but (the fans) don’t mind.”

Future gains, Cooper predicted, are now on the radar of a club that has reached two grand finals in three seasons.

— RHYS O’NEILL