COTTER ROBBED IN MIDNIGHT SPREE

A COWBOYS utility has become the latest victim of Townsville’s crime crisis after his car was among three stolen from a gated unit complex.

North Queensland Cowboys player Reuben Cotter (pictured) had his Holden Colorado stolen from his South Townsville unit complex on Wednesday night.

Police were called to a secure gated complex at Morehead St early this morning to reports a group of thieves broke into three units between midnight and 4am.

A police spokeswoman said three cars were stolen from the complex – a Holden Cruz from one unit, and Cotter’s Holden Colorado and BMW from a second unit. A third unit was broken into but nothing was taken. The BMW was later found dumped in bushland behind Loretta Crt.

Cotter shared an Instagram post with a photo of his stolen car this morning, asking people to look out for it.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said the team were rallying around Cotter.

“It’s sad, it’s just the way things are at the moment,” Payten said.

“It’s pretty brazen, Rueben is okay, his partner Mackenzie is a bit shaken up so we have just gotten around him as best we can. Let him off for being late this morning.

“It’s terrible for what’s happening at the moment, but it is what it is.”

The 22-year-old hooker hasn’t played footy since April after injuring his foot and undergoing surgery. He isn’t expected to be back on the field until later this year.

Cotter signed a two-year contract extension in 2020, running through the end of the 2022 season.

He is in his third first grade season with the Cowboys.