Bowes hails Suns’ unbreakable bond
WHEN a representative from the Rugby Football League in England told Jack Bowes he hadn’t seen a group so tightly bound as the Suns this week, the midfielder wasn’t shocked.
It only confirmed what he already believed of a culture that led him to sign a four-year contract extension that will tie him to Gold Coast until the end of 2024.
Bowes, Peter Wright and Ben Ainsworth became the latest in a long line of players to recommit to the Suns already this year including co-captains David Swallow and Jarrod Witts, Alex Sexton, Touk Miller, Rory Thompson and Sean Lemmens.
The English rugby league staff member, who had visited major sporting clubs around the globe, spent time at the Suns facilities on Thursday where he got a glimpse into the inner workings of a club that has had little success but looks to be building a brighter future.
“It’s just the culture around the place now,” Bowes said of the surge in commitment from players as he prepares for the club’s Round 11 game against GWS in Sydney.
“We are a really tight-knit group. I was speaking to some people from English rugby who came into the club and said they had seen nothing like it with the vibe and the camaraderie the boys have.
“Everyone feeds off each other. It was a nice compliment. That is the way it is under Dewy (coach Stuart Dew).
“Everyone believes in the game plan and has a lot of trust in each other.
“It comes down to putting your individual wants for the team collectively. It creates an environment where you want to help other people get better as much as yourself and help others improve.
“It’s about building strong relationships and being vulnerable at times with your mate.
“We have been through quite a bit. I haven’t won a lot in my career so far and neither have a lot of boys there.
“That sparks it as well, the desire to prove people wrong.”
Bowes, 21, was contracted until the end of 2020 and didn’t expect to hold discussions with the club until next year but when the Suns put the offer to him, he didn’t hesitate.
“It’s good to get it locked away and get a bit of security for the long term and commit to the club, commit to trying to improve this group and take everyone forward.”
Bowes has been one of the faces of the Suns academy, a player who first linked up with the club age 13 and who still has the very first singlet given to him by Gold Coast when his journey started in Cairns.
Bowes said representing Queensland football was one of his biggest motivators.
“Growing up in Cairns and moving down the Gold Coast, the Suns academy has always been at the front of my mind,” Bowes said.
“I have always wanted to see the club do well. It holds a close place in my heart because it’s close to home and you want to see Queensland footy do well.”