COWBOYS CELEBRATE TEAM’S AMAZING RUN STYLISH NIGHT TO END SEASON

THE North Queensland Cowboys swapped footy boots for formal wear to celebrate their stellar season with a gala dinner at the Townsville Entertainment Centre last night. Superstar forward Jason Taumalolo was named the club’s Player of the Year at the Cowboys presentation ball. “It was a great season by the boys, it’s disappointing the way it ended but there’s always next year I guess,” he said. While many of his teammates can rest until training for the 2018 season resumes, Taumalolo is preparing for the World Cup, where he will play for Tonga. “I’m still doing a bit of training so hopefully I’ll be ready for a break, and when it does come, I’ll be ( on holiday) out of Townsville,” he said. Taumalolo and finals hero Michael Morgan were joint winners of the Players’ Player Award. Morgan also took out the Townsville Bulletin Fans’ Choice Award. He attended the dinner with mum Sue as his partner Brianna O’Toole is holidaying in Africa. Scott Bolton and Ray Thompson were named joint winners of the Cowboys Clubperson of the Year Award. “We’ve come a long way since the start of the year, myself, obviously not having ( fellow prop) Matty Scott there,” Bolton said. “In terms of leadership and things like that, I’ve learnt a lot this year. I’d be looking just to not lose that next year when Matty gets back.”

Bolton also received life membership after passing 200 NRL games with the club. He said he was looking forward to relaxing before next season.

“We’ll rest up and get ready for next year,” he said. “( I’ll) just relax a bit at the start. I’ve got a couple of weddings to go to. I’ll just enjoy some time with the wife and family.”

Sean Fensom attended the dinner on crutches with wife Leah, having broken his leg early in the grand final. Fensom said he should be back on the field in four to six months.

“I’ll be very disappointed if I don’t start the season next year,” he said.

Coach Paul Green said he was excited to celebrate the “season that was” at the gala.

“Last Sunday was pretty tough, but I think all in all it was a season to be proud of,” he said. “I think the players certainly displayed what it means to be a North Queenslander and I think tonight’s about celebrating that.”

“Why I chose Tonga”: p67