Our 20- year teamwork
AT THE risk of sounding arrogant ( I’m not), I contacted the Cowboys in January 2000 and asked if we could get involved in a sponsorship role.
The trial games had started and they were still desperate to sign sponsors. It was a brave move.
The club was struggling to get sponsors, crowds and wins.
Paul Bowman was quoted in the Bully as saying he only leaves home to train and play, so much was the pressure to turn things around. The playing group were under immense pressure.
From a business perspective we made nothing out of the Cowboys. We weren’t alone. Anybody can hop on board a winning team but it takes true loyalty to make a contribution when times are tough.
In 2000 the only things keeping the club viable were the sponsors, the dedicated supporters and Matty Bowen. My point is that this is not just about 2015.
There have been many sponsors, staff, players and management since 1995 and they should all be commended for their contribution. Laurence Lancini has made a huge contribution and some difficult decisions he can now see have paid off.
The Bully has been there since day one. I’m not sure how many others are still involved from the early days, but special mention should be made of Toyota. I’m positive their sponsorship saved the club through the tough times.
I assure you I’m not complaining, we had a wonderful time being part of the Cowboys.
They treated us like royalty and we still have close relationships with those we were involved with.
This premiership has been 20 years in the making and “all” those who have contributed should be very, very proud.
Sunday night I had a tear in the eye and a lump in the throat, not just about the win but the efforts and memories of the past 20 years.
Martin Bella laying turf the day before the inaugural game, slipping in the mud on the big night, the first win – home and away, the first win over the Broncos, the great players we’ve been privileged to watch, coming close in 2005 and, of course, JT and Matt Scott coming of age.
Congratulations to the team, management, support staff, sponsors and thousands of supporters throughout NQ and Australia. CAMERON McNAUGHT,
Belgian Gardens.