Fans can make it a special farewell

COWBOYS’ fans have been asked to stay at 1300SMILES Stadium after the siren tonight to give retiring veteran Scott Bolton the final lap of honour “he deserves”.

Bolton announced his retirement from the game earlier this week, and his 245th NRL appearance will be his final one at the Cowboys home ground.

While the club will take an understated approach to Bolton’s farewell, in recognition of his approach to his career, director of football Peter Parr wants the fans to clap him off the field one final time.

“We will honour him the best way we can with a win and a video tribute,” Parr said.

“He is a very humble and private guy that does not enjoy attention being shone upon him. We will acknowledge Scott in the best way we can but also acknowledge his wishes.”

The same goes for retiring legend Matt Scott, who will have his preferred #8 jersey retired for the night. The club will also show a brief video package of Scott, who will not be able to be at the ground as he continues to recover from a stroke scare.

“We have always got to balance it out by celebrating the careers of two great champions, but also ensuring it doesn’t make them feel uncomfortable,” Parr said.

“They are two humble men who have not done what they have done for the limelight, all they have wanted to do is the right thing by their teammates and the club.

“I expect the players, no matter the result, will do one last lap of the stadium after the game and we would like the fans to stick around for that.”

The Cowboys will also open the field to spectators after the team has done its final lap of honour. A drone will then take a picture of all fans on the field.

It will be a special moment with fans travelling from across the state’s north and even as far south as Newcastle to be part of the event.

The farewell photo will be available for fans to download a free digital copy after registering online at the club’s website.