Only two colours matter as the dream lives on
TOWNSVILLE will be decked in blue and yellow this week as the city prepares for the North Queensland Cowboys to take on Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final.
And that spirit was on display yesterday as hundreds of people flocked to Townsville Airport to welcome the Cowboys players after their strong win over the Sydney Roosters.
Wearing a Cowboys hat and shirt, and waving a team flag, Jessica Gunthorpe was among the excited crowd welcoming the team home.
“The Cowboys are my team and they have always been my team and I’m really proud of them, so I wanted to be here to cheer them on.”
She said the support for the Cowboys in Townsville was unique.
“You go into the shop and everything blue and yellow is gold, sold out. There are so many decorations and costumes, there’s an amazing spirit.”
She predicted the Cowboys would be the talk of the town this week.
“Everyone will be preparing for the big game.
“We’ve been shopping this morning to buy lots of decoration for the grand final party.”
Justin Price’s voice boomed over the Townsville Airport arrivals lounge as he bellowed, “Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys,”
The zealous Cowboys fan has supported the team since it was admitted in the league in 1995.
He’s often one to start the Cowboys chant, to invigorate supporters.
“Every time I go to the football I lose my voice,” he said.
“I just want to get the boys across the line. And that’s my main focus.”
He believes vocal support from fans gives the team more momentum.
“If they can hear the crowd get behind them they set up and push harder,” Mr Price said.
He said community support was critical for the team, motioning to the hundreds of delighted supporters at the airport.
“If you don’t have a crowd like this it’s not worth having a football team. We try and get down here and support the boys when they come home,” he said.