STEPPING BACK: Laurence Lancini is leaving an illustrious career with the Cowboys as he nears the age of 60. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

NORTH Queensland Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini will see the team run out at its new stadium next year but has revealed he will likely step down from his role before the season’s end.

The high-profile developer, who oversaw the Cowboys’ first NRL premiership, has told the Townsville Bulletin he would stand aside as chairman in 2020.

He has held the role since 2001 and has been involved with the club since its inception.

Mr Lancini said he was nearing the age of 60 and while there was no real reason behind the decision, it was time to step back. He will vacate the role at a time when the club moves into its new home at the North Queensland Stadium.

“I’ve always put a mark in my mind that when I turned 60 I’m going to release myself from a lot of my roles and look to live my life,” he told the Townsville Bulletin yesterday.

“I’ll still work a bit in my business. I bought a farm in Maleny (in the Sunshine Coast hinterland), I’m building a new house at the moment, I’ve got a house at Hamilton Island that I will spend some time at. I’m going to just to live my life a bit and enjoy the rest of my life, however long it may be.”

Mr Lancini, who was this year appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to rugby league and the North Queensland community, said the Cowboys had produced many accomplishments in his time.

“I‘m just proud of the club and everyone involved in the club and the support we’ve got,” he said. “What it’s done for Townsville, North Queensland is something I’m really proud of.”

Asked whether it was the right time to leave, Mr Lancini said the club was in a great position.

“Look at our achievements: the leagues club, the new stadium, the centre of excellence, the boys and girls house; we’ve got a great operation,” he said.

Mr Lancini would not be drawn on who was best to take over as chairman of the club.

“It’s up to the board to make a decision,” he said. “There’s probably plenty of people that would do a great job but at this stage, we have nobody that we’ve discussed it with, and the board certainly hasn’t had a discussion about it.”