Fans out in force for huge welcome
IT’S the little town that could and did.
Hundreds of North Queensland Cowboys supporters greeted their victorious team as they arrived back in Townsville yesterday afternoon, just one game away from another NRL grand final win.
Large novelty cowboy hats were worn, flags were waved and chants of “Cowboys!” erupted as the battered and bruised players drank in the euphoric atmosphere.
Despite being written off by commentators, experts and even their own fans, the undisputed Pride of the North defied the odds to make it to a fairytale second grand final in three years.
Cowboys supporter Ian Ferrari said he didn’t give the team much hope after losing Jonathan Thurston and Matt Scott during the year.
“I have to admit I wrote them off at the start of the year,” he said.
“And then again for the finals. It’s that North Queensland resilience that has got them through it.”
Most supporters agreed the team’s success was reminiscent of the “never- saydie” attitude of the bush.
Diehard supporter Trish Forster said the North needed the premiership not just for the trophy, but as a means of lifting spirits.
The newest Cowboys recruit, five- eighth Te Maire Martin, was left blown away by the fan turnout.
“It’s pretty crazy and pretty surreal the amount of support we have from the people here,” he said.
“They don’t get crowds like this where I’m from ( New Zealand) so it’s pretty special.”