Paul Bowman Tribute

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Paul Bowman Tribute Luncheon

Come and celebrate the career of the last Inaugural Cowboy

Wednesday 29th August
12pm for a 12.30pm start
The Pavillion, Jupiters Townsville

Tickets are $90 each (inc GST) and include a two course meal, XXXX Beers, Penfolds Wines & Coca-Cola Sopft Drinks

To join us on the day, call Tickets Online on 1300 737 909 by Wednesday 22nd August

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Paul Bowman nears end of illustrious career
Steve Ricketts and Ben Dorries


FIGHTING fit . . . "original" Cowboys Paul Bowman needs two games to reach the 200-game milestone. Pic: Cameron Laird

IN an era of flashy, trash-talking backs with diamond-studded ears and funky haircuts, the man they call "Bear" has bucked the trend.
Paul Bowman is the original North Queensland Cowboy, the lone survivor from the club's foundation season in 1995, and likes to let his football do the talking. He couldn't care less about newspaper headlines and wouldn't be seen dead in Benji Marshall's Lotus or be spotted on the dance podium of a Townsville nightclub.
The 31-year-old, who will become the first Cowboy to play 200 games in next week's final-round clash against the Bulldogs in Townsville, has never been enamoured with publicity.
Bowman's unobtrusive arrival – straight from the playing fields of Proserpine – signalled he was someone cut from a different cloth.
Teammates could hardly get a word out of him and 1995 players Damian Gibson and Justin Loomans nicknamed him "Bear" because he was so quiet and rarely seemed to be awake.
Twelve years on, after 198 NRL games and 12 Origin matches for the Maroons, not much has changed.
"Bear is your typical club man and he's been a career Cowboy," says Cowboys enforcer Carl Webb.
"He's the heart and soul of the team and does his job week in and week out. He always puts in, and at times he has played with injury and has never complained.
"He just gets through his work and does his job and he's very popular among the boys.
"He's just one of those guys who every club needs. He brings everything together."
He's had a wonderful career and I know all the boys really respect him and love having him in the team and love having him alongside them."
Bowman, who will retire at the end of the season, has rarely let anything get under his skin. But he has always been fiercely loyal, facing off against Chris Walker when the flamboyant winger appeared to be mocking Cowboys players when the Sydney Roosters won a 2004 finals match.
Bowman raced in and was ready for a fight when he could take the sledging no longer. At the time, he spoke candidly: "It is a sign of a good footballer and a good person that when you win you've got to win with a bit of humility."
They were words from the heart. He may not say much but when he does, teammates and coaches listen.
Always the quiet achiever, he confesses he is embarrassed by the tribute lunch the Cowboys have organised for him in Townsville on Wednesday.
"I've never really wanted any fuss," Bowman said. "That's just my personality. I just like to do my job and let my actions do the talking.
"I know I've never been the greatest player or the most flashy player but I've always tried to be consistent and tried never to let anyone down.
"One of the things I am very proud of is that I've played 12 games for Queensland. Just to be part of that has been fantastic.
"I'm a member of the FOGS (former Origin greats) and while I don't consider myself to be great it is certainly nice to be mentioned in that calibre of players."
Bowman has plenty of terrific memories from his 198 games but his fond recollections of the club's first season are hard to toss.
The club's formative days included some funny scenes such as foundation players starring in their own version of Backyard Blitz to help build their home ground.
A dozen players with some experience as tradesmen were put on the club's payroll as maintenance men to help with everything from landscaping to fitting out the stands, coaching facilities and media areas.
Bowman's one regret in the ensuing 12 years is that he has not won a premiership with the club that has gone from being easybeats to the pride of north Queensland.
The Cowboys' best chance was in 2005, and the 30-16 grand final loss to Wests Tigers was Bowman's lowest footballing moment.
There was not only the hollow feeling of missing a precious chance but also the knowledge he had contributed to the loss.
The always dependable centre had an inexplicable brain snap and flung a crazy pass across the Cowboys' in-goal, which young Tiger Bryce Gibbs pounced upon and scored. It was one of the turning points of the grand final and you can tell Bowman has never quite forgiven himself.
"It still hurts," he admitted. "Not so much because of that pass but because of the missed opportunity.
"I remember sitting in the rooms afterwards and thinking I might never get a chance like that again. It was a pretty low moment."
Bowman has ridden over plenty of speed bumps in his career – it hurt when he lost the captaincy several years ago, but not as much as last year, when he suffered a bulging disc in his neck that almost caused him to retire.
The 200-game mark is a milestone he is looking forward to but you get the feeling he can't wait for life after footy, when he will become even more of a family man with wife Shayne and children Grace, 5, and Harry, 3.
He has no regrets about calling his career to a close and hopes to stay involved in football, possibly in a mentoring role with the Cowboys, and use his sports science degree to work as a personal fitness and rehabilitation trainer.
"I wanted to retire on my own terms. I never wanted to stay on one year too long," he says.
"I'd love to stay in contact with the Cowboys, even in some sort of mentoring role with young players.
"The Cowboys have been a huge part of my life and I would like to have some input. But first I want lto have a bit of a break and do my own thing."

[Snoop23]

The Greatest Cowboy that ever was, and ever wil be.

[Retread]

Top bloke and a great clubman.
Should be a great night at Dairy Farmers when he plays his last game there. There will be a lot of beer drunk and a lot of sad faces to see the end of a Cowboy Legend.

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Early potential shown
ADAM WATKIN


Paul Bowman will be the first play to reach 200 games for the Cowboys when North Queensland take on the Bulldogs at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday night

ON the sideline of a football field in Proserpine stands a towering and very powerful figure.
He occasionally pops his left leg up on a seat in front of him while he unfurls his team lists, nods, and then scratches a note on his football program.
It is August, 1994, and former Newcastle Knights assistant coach Grant Bell is trying to build a professional rugby league team for North Queensland.
His scribbles of black ink on the form might appear to be unusual at an under-19 fixture, but for 18-year-old Paul Bowman, Bell's notes are the beginning of an NRL career that will span more than 13 seasons.
"I was there watching a match before the senior game and I saw this kid (Bowman) who was finding a bit of space and contributing well to their attack," Bell said, as he recalled the first day he saw Bowman play.
"He was pretty complete in a lot of areas and he had this ability to be able to find a bit of an opportunity which is what stood out."
The inaugural North Queensland Cowboys coach approached Bowman after the game and asked him to play in a trial match against a combined Brisbane Brothers team in October, 1994.
"You wouldn't believe it though, he rolled his ankle in the first set of that game," Bell said.
"Obviously he was disappointed at the time but I said to him I had confidence in him when I first saw him play so it wouldn't be the end of the road."
Bowman received his next opportunity in February, 1995, when he played in a North Queensland Cowboys under-19 invitational team in Cairns.
North Queensland continued to keep tabs on Bowman while he played in Proserpine before he was selected to play for the Cowboys reserve-grade team against the Canberra Raiders in March, 1995.
The Proserpine Brahmans junior was again named on the bench the following week where he scored his first try in Cowboys colours against the Brisbane Broncos reserve-grade team in round five.
Bowman continued his impressive form and a knee injury to Cowboys centre David Bouveng opened up the door for first-grade selection against South Sydney in round 16.
Bowman played out the rest of the 1995 season in first grade and is set to play his 200th game this Friday night against the Bulldogs at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
"Paul is an original and you only get one set of originals and he certainly deserves a fantastic send-off from both his playing mates and the spectators," Bell said.
"He had opportunities to leave the Cowboys over the years which is why it is a tremendous mark by him and his quality as a person.
"By his actions it says the Cowboys are very important to him and for him to play out his career here ... well it is wonderful a player can do that."

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Never say die
ANTONY STEWART


TRUE GRIT ... foundation Cowboy Paul Bowman gave stellar service during 12 State of Origin games for the Maroons

GRAND final captain Travis Norton reckons there is one play during Paul Bowman's illustrious career that just about sums up the Cowboys legend.
A tough and uncompromising player, Bowman could never be accused of giving anything less than 100 per cent for his team, whether it was during his 199 games for North Queensland or 12 matches for the Maroons.
Norton, who was watching on television that night, said that commitment was never more apparent than in game one of the 2003 State of Origin series. Coming off the interchange bench to replace hooker PJ Marsh, the centre was injured with his first touch of the ball, when his foot became `stuck' and he was sandwiched in a tackle on the dodgy Suncorp Stadium surface.
The result was medial ligament and cartilage damage to Bowman's left knee that would keep him sidelined for the next four weeks.
On the ground and unable to walk, the now 31-year-old stayed on the field for as long as possible, defying agonising pain to make several desperate, diving tackles on New South Wales players.
Despite Queensland going down that night, Bowman was commended for his passion and commitment.
"I remember the camera was directly on him and you could see he was gone for all money, struggling, he couldn't put much weight on that leg," Norton said.
"But he just kept getting back and trying to make tackles and it was just astonishing.
"Some players would just lay down and be hurting too much but I don't think I have ever seen `Bear' in pain.
"If he is down and hurt you know he is hurt, he won't lay down for a niggling injury, he would always get back into the line and do whatever it takes to help his teammates out.
"And that is probably the quality that stands out with `Bear', he's willing to do anything for his teammates."
But the retired 31-year-old, now based in Mackay, said that sort of competitiveness was not just limited to the football field and was why Bowman was such a valuable player to any team.
"A few words come to mind when describing `Bear', that determination and that fighting spirit," said Norton, who played in the Cowboys' maiden grand final of 2005 with Bowman.
"He is just a competitor, it didn't matter what we were playing, `Bear' was out there. You see players like that, Johnathan Thurston is one, and `Bear's' the same.
"Whether it's playing league or when we go for a round of golf, he was always the ultimate competitor."
On Friday night Bowman will play his 200th game for the Cowboys, becoming the first player in the club's history to do so.
"He couldn't have timed it any better. The only way he could have topped it was to play his 200th in the grand final," Norton said.
"To have your 200th as the last game of the season, in front of your home crowd – people who have been supporting `Bear' ever since the Cowboys have played – it's going to be a great crowd and he deserves all the success that comes his way."

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Bowman from loyal era
ANTONY STEWART


TRUE TO END ... Paul Bowman was loyal to his club, his teammates and his fans

FOR long-time Cowboys fan Peter Theofanes, Paul Bowman represents the players of a bygone era.
A fiercely loyal individual whose passion for the region and the people he is representing outweighs any desire for financial gain and celebrity.
And there is no denying that during his 13 seasons playing football for North Queensland, Bowman has proved himself to be exactly that.
As a former Cowboys board member and season ticket-holder since 1995, there are not too many fans who have seen the Proserpine junior in action more often than Theofanes.
"Paul, to me, is the epitome of what North Queensland rugby league is all about, where loyalty to your town and to your region is more important than anything else," the Cranbrook resident said.
"It's a very, very rare breed indeed.
"North Queensland has got a very proud tradition that goes back a long way and Paul epitomises that tradition, even in today's modern football.
"To me, he is a real beacon for up and coming North Queensland or Queensland country footballers that want to make it in the NRL."
It is a passion and commitment that Theofanes, a born and bred North Queenslander, believes can rub off on players coming through the Cowboys system and ensure they remain local players.
While Bowman has had some struggles with injury this year and even missed a game through suspension, those absences have set up the perfect way to celebrate his 200th game.
In front of a packed house at Dairy Farmers Stadium and on the final night of the regular season, Theofanes said the 31-year-old can expect the reception of his life on Friday.
"I don't think Paul himself could have wished for anything better," he said.
"Deep down, I know he would have hated to have missed those games but this is going to be a brilliant night for him on Friday night.
"Not everyone gets the opportunity to retire or play their last game as Paul is going to."
There is just one thing that could make for a better memory as Bowman heads towards retirement at season's end.
"If anyone deserves to go out in a premiership-winning side it is Paul," Theofanes said.
"I rate him up there with (Shane) Webcke and Mal Meninga who went out in grand final wins and we'll keep our fingers crossed."

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We'll miss you heaps
ADAM WATKIN


IN HIS HONOUR ... Paul Bowman (centre) with his parents Bill and Colleen at the Paul Bowman Tribute luncheon at Jupiters

``IF the Cowboys were a human body Paul Bowman would be the heart ...'' an emotional Aaron Payne said yesterday at his mate's tribute luncheon. ``... he's the heart and soul of this team and it won't be the same without you.''
That was one of the many messages addressed to Bowman as more than 270 people acknowledged his career as the last remaining inaugural Cowboy.
He is an original and has experienced every high and low the club has been through since 1995.
Many people regard him as a pioneer who epitomises what the club is all about – to be an avenue for young locals to come through and play out their career for North Queensland.
"If he approaches the rest of his life with the same level of honesty and integrity and loyalty, he'll end up a winner," his proud dad Bill told the luncheon.
The remarkable quality about Bowman is that he could have left the Cowboys on numerous occasions but the Proserpine junior decided to end his career
here.
His actions indicated that the Cowboys are very close to his soul and on behalf of North Queensland it is wonderful a player can feel that way.
He told the crowd he loves North Queensland and he loved the Cowboys and he did not feel the need to go anywhere else.
Bowman will be the first Cowboy to play 200 games when he runs out onto Dairy Farmers Stadium
tomorrow night. It is an achievement the 31-year-old will remember
forever.
"When I first got up here I didn't even think I would play 10 first-grade games, so I just think overall I have been very fortunate," a humble Bowman said yesterday at Jupiters Hotel and Casino.
"It means a lot to me (to play 200 games) and I suppose it is something that I have been working on over the last couple of years. It had a big influence on me playing again this year."
After 13 seasons of professional rugby league Bowman singled out his parents and inaugural Cowboys coach Grant Bell as having the biggest impact on his career.
"Grant Bell sort of really discovered me and sort of gave me my start – so I've got a lot to be thankful for to him because whenever I have needed advice I have gone to him," he said.
"My parents have also had a big impact on me, particularly my dad who coached me at a young age."

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Too stupid to Bear
LIZ McKINNON


CHAMPION COWBOY ... Paul Bowman

THE North Queensland Cowboys favourite son Paul Bowman won't be having his name up in lights at Dairy Farmers Stadium anytime soon.
The club's bid to have the eastern grandstand named in the retiring centre's honour has been cut short by the Queensland Government.
The Major Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) has placed bans on any of its grandstands being named after a player or person because it may impact on other sports being hosted at the venue.
This is despite nearly every other major venue in Australia paying tribute to its champion sportsmen and women with a naming of a stand in their honour.
The refusal has sparked outrage among the club, former players and board members. It was the hot topic at Bowman's official tribute lunch at Jupiters yesterday.
They have now agreed to call the club's player of the year medal in Bowman's honour to make up for the naming snub.
The Cowboys original chairman Ron McLean said it seemed stupid.
He argued Bowman was the Wally Lewis of the North and a statue should be made in his honour instead at the ground as a lasting symbol of his influence on the club.
"I would build a statue for him because he has really been the binding force of that club for years, right back to the bad old years," Mr McLean said.
"I would push for anything for him."
Mr McLean was one of the key parties who helped form the club more than 13 years ago and agreed Bowman had been one of the players that had pulled the club through `thick and thin'.
"He has always been a good consistent player and worked his heart out for the club. For them to turn around and say this it's very upsetting," he said.
Kerry Boustead, champion winger and the Cowboys original chief executive, has watched Bowman grow from a talented youngster from Proserpine to Townsville's humble hero.
Bowman will be the first player to clock 200 games this weekend and Mr Boustead said it was disappointing his name would not be recognised at the ground for generations to come.
"I do believe he is the number one contender for the naming," Mr Boustead said.
"This stadium was created for a rugby league ground and the Cowboys are the major tenant there. I think it would fabulous for North Queensland, Proserpine and Paul to be remembered in that way."
A MSFA spokesman said none of its three stadiums in Queensland, including Suncorp and the Gabba, had any naming of stands.
They are simple known as the southern, northern, east and west or by their gate numbers.
"It's been a long standing policy of the authority which was determined around the construction of Suncorp. It's to ensure they are offered as a clean venues," he said.
"It can impact on other codes who could potentially hire the venue. It all conflicts on the role of the venue and the events that are hosted there."
He argued if Townsville was to play host to an A league soccer team in the future it would be not fitting to have a league players name featured on any of the facilities. But rival venues like the SCG which hosts everything from cricket, to AFL and NRL has made a lasting tribute to cricket legend Don Bradman on one of its members stands.
Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said there was nothing the club could do to overrule the policy.
He said it was fitting that players would now receive a player of the year medal named in his honour. It previously had no name.
"Given the respect Paul receives from our players and his achievements as a player we thought it would be the best possible way to remember his career, given the respect he has," Mr Parr said.
After the grandstand refusal the club had also looked at naming its new building complex after him, a bar or building a statue at the ground. It is also looking at building a wall of fame to fit in with the western grandstand redevelopment.

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Man of few words
ANTONY STEWART


Paul Bowman

FOR 13 seasons Paul Bowman has been the Cowboys' silent assassin.
The most capped player in the North Queensland club's history, and among the most respected, he has gone about his business barely saying a word.
While some players might revel in the limelight that comes with being a rugby league star, that just is not Bowman's style.
Even on the eve of the centre's record-breaking 200th game for the Cowboys, his teammate Johnathan Thurston reckons he will try to shy away from the hype.
But while Bowman may keep quiet for the most part, Thurston said it was always worth being around when the 31-year-old did speak up.
"He generally just lets his footy do the talking," he said. "But when he speaks everyone shuts up and listens because he has got that sort of respect from everyone at the club.
"And because he doesn't say much when he does say something you know it's important.
"When he talks it certainly isn't to hear the sound of his own voice."
Like when the Cowboys pulled off an amazing upset victory over Manly earlier this year.
North Queensland had suffered back-to-back losses to South Sydney and the New Zealand Warriors and were in danger of letting their golden start to the year slip away.
It was then that Thurston said Bowman chose his moment to speak up.
"The two-minute warning bell went and he jumped up and said his piece to everyone, pointing out that we had lost a little bit of our mongrel in defence," he said.
"It was pretty inspirational stuff, not just in the words he said but the way he said it.
"That night we went out against the undefeated Sea Eagles and our defence was at its stinging best as we rolled Manly.
"That's the type of guy he is."
But it is not just the moments Bowman chooses to speak that prove inspirational, according to Thurston.
The representative halfback described the Proserpine junior as the ultimate professional, both on and off the field, and someone who had helped him greatly since taking on the captaincy role this season.
"He just does all the little things right. He's never out of uniform, he's always on time and just a good leader who sets a good example," Thurston said.
"He's just `Mr Reliable', always there, always showing up.
"You can count on `Bear' being where other people wouldn't be, in attack and defence."

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Bear Season is Closed

A POETIC TRIBUTE BY WAYNE P. NICHOLSON read at Paul Bowman's tribute luncheon

When I think back to 95
I remember, Spina, Murphy and Bell
I remember Paul Bowman and Kerry Boustead too
Who fought for this club like hell.

I'm here to tell ya, for all who'll listen
You can name me great centres I'm sure
But name me one in the modern game
Who can plug a middle like the Cows Number 4.

As tough as teak wood timber
And as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar
It's difficult to remember a defensive centre
Who aims up better and will rarely falter.

Gee it must be tough for opposition teams
The situation would be fairly grim
They aim their attack at the centre three quarter
But it's rare they'll ever get past him.

You see to Bear the answer was simple
He learned his lesson real fast
They can't score tries and win the game
If ya don't let the bastards past.

For nigh on 200 games at the highest level
This bloke's played strong done fine
Who would have thought all those years ago
When he was just Paul Bowman from Proserpine.

This is a guy who plays it hard
Has a work rate of a blue-heeler dog
He smashes blokes like Vatuvei and Grothe
But the poor bugger is terrified of a frog.

The determination of this bloke is overpowering
And he competed hard at a very young age
He was riding a two-wheeler bike at three
Refused to have trainer wheels at any stage.

He'd drag his bike to the gutter
So he could get on with without help and then,
He'd ride around till he fell off
Drag it back to the gutter and start again.

I think he might have drank something one day
From a vial that was only half full
At Billy Bowmen's vet shop
It was liquid genes of a bloody Pit Bull.

Reckons he's a bit of a pool player as well
Started playing on the felt when he was four
Had a cut down cue, and on tippie toes
Demanded every second shot and more.

Some shocking news was delivered to the Bear
He went to a Junior League sign on with the crew
Had to produce a birth certificate on the day
And there it read ... the poor bugger was born a blue

Even so young this Proserpine Brahman
Knew that this news couldn't be real good
So with the Bowman 7 across his back
He aimed at being Maroon ... as you would

We were bloody proud as all get out
As we watched Bear in Queensland regalia
And every Cowboys punter to a man
Believed he should have played for Australia.

It's tough to say goodbye ol son
To someone with a Phar Lap heart
It's even tougher to say good bye ol son
To a Cowboy who's been there from the start.

I know three people who burst with pride
And there's a whole lot more you can bet
But Shayne and the kids Grace and Harry
Are your biggest fans you'll ever get.

For 13 seasons you've been a one-club man
Suffered the bad times and rode the good
There's not too many can make that claim
You should be real proud Bear ... you really should.

As you the leave the dressing sheds behind
For the last and final time
You leave with knowing that no other Cow
Has played more games sublime.

As the only player to make 200 starts
You got Mike Carney all in smiles
Coz there's only you and the Toyota Land Cruiser
That can go hard for that many miles

From your Cowboys family and friends ol' mate
We wish you luck in everything you persue
Cause as sure as God made little apples
We've been a better club because of you.

So long mate and thanks for the memories
Remember your mates from Dairy farmers too
Remember all the people who loved you as a player
Cause we sure as hell will always remember you.

Good luck, good health and God bless ya Bear.
NICHO, August 29, 2007

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Bowman honoured

The North Queensland Cowboys have honoured retiring player Paul Bowman by renaming their best and fairest player award after him.
The Paul Bowman Medal will be presented from this year on.
Bowman is renowned as one of the great defensive centres.
He'll mark his 200th game against the Bulldogs at his home ground, Dairy Farmers Stadium, this weekend.
Several Cowboys refused an offer of a weekend rest, insisting they'd be there for Bowman's milestone.
North Queensland CEO Peter Parr says the respect he has throughout the playing group is something he should be very, very proud of.

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Bowman's name to live on at Cowboys

He may be retiring at the end of the NRL season but foundation player Paul Bowman's name will live on at the North Queensland Cowboys after their best and fairest award was re-named in his honour.
The Paul Bowman Medal will be presented from 2007, honouring one of the great defensive centres who will mark his 200th game against the Bulldogs on Friday night - fittingly at homeground Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The limelight never did sit well on the quietly spoken Bowman.
But the shy veteran had little choice but to soak up the attention when the Cowboys hailed the 31-year-old at a 300-strong testimonial luncheon at Townsville's Jupiters Casino.
The player affectionately dubbed "Bear" reluctantly hogged the spotlight as the club celebrated his career.
Bowman is the only remaining player from North Queensland's 1995 inaugural season.
"When I first got up there I probably didn't think I would play 10 first grade games, I have been very fortunate," a typically modest Bowman told reporters.
The Cowboys are hoping to extend Bowman's record club game run all the way to the season decider after securing a home final for the first time with a top four regular season finish.
And Bowman likes the Cowboys' chances thanks to what he believes is an underrated charge to the finals.
"It's good to be travelling under the radar," he said.
"No one is backing us or expecting us to do well.
"So there's no pressure on us, no one expects anything from us.
"I think we like it like that."
No one can doubt the players' commitment to send Bowman out a winner.
Key Cowboys such as skipper Johnathan Thurston knocked back a chance to miss the "dead rubber" Bulldogs game and freshen up for the upcoming finals just so they could run out alongside Bowman.
The Cowboys are guaranteed a third place finish no matter what the result against the Bulldogs but every North Queensland player wanted to be there for "Bear".
"I think everyone associated with our club is looking forward to Friday night, to see a bloke who is without doubt the most respected Cowboy ever play his 200th game," Cowboys boss Peter Parr said.
"I know our players are very determined to make it a special night for him on Friday."
Parr said "a few" players were given the chance to rest on Friday night.
"(But) there isn't one player at this club who wouldn't want to run out there with him on Friday night, not one," he said.
Already 20,000 tickets have been sold for the landmark clash.
"He definitely won't let the players and coaching staff go about saying stuff like `let's do it for Bear'," Thurston wrote in his Townsville Bulletin column.
"So you know what? We won't say it, we'll just do it.
"Each and every player that runs out on Friday night knows how significant the night is and none of us will want him to leave the field as a loser."
Bowman's milestone will cap a memorable week in which the North Queensland NRL team was sold by News Limited to the Cowboys Leagues Club.
The Cowboys are on a four-game winning run.

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BOWMAN'S 200 IS A DRIVING FORCE

Paul Bowman will create history for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys tomorrow evening when he plays his 200th first grade game for the club against the Bulldogs. Bowman, the last inaugural Cowboy, will retire at the end of the season.
Coach Graham Murray believes that this will play a part in tomorrow’s game. “They (the players) all wanted to play this game for Paul’s 200th and also that they were playing a pretty good side like the Bulldogs and it was at home with a pretty big crowd,” Graham Murray said.
Opposition players to watch were Sonny Bill Williams and the return of Willie Mason according to the Coach.
The North Queensland Toyota Young Guns will play Redcliffe at 5.30pm for a spot in the Grand Final as the curtain raiser to the NRL clash.
Tickets are still available from Tickets Online 1300 737 909

[Sonic Star]

Take a Bow man.

[Animal]

boom boom, what a comedian.

Gotta say but I've spoken to Bowman on several occasions after games and the guy is genuine and down to earth. Even though he has just busted his arse on the field for 8o min, he always had time for th fans, not just to sign a card but to pose for a photo or answer some questions.
He'll be missed, hopefully he hangs around in some type of mentor role like mentioned previously.
geeze first grandpa now Bear, we are running out of real hereos

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Voter backlash
LIZ McKINNON

BEATTIE Government minister Craig Wallace says he will lobby to have the eastern stand at Dairy Farmers Stadium named after Paul Bowman.
The Thuringowa MP said he believed it was a fitting tribute and he would make representations to his government.
His promise comes as Cowboys fans labelled the Government brainless and boring for refusing to name the stand because of a policy which bans honouring individuals in this way.
The Government said it may offend other sports or events that make use of the facility to have the stand named after a particular sportsman or woman.
The Townsville Bulletin was inundated with TXT messages, letters and phone calls asking the Government to reconsider.
They were also supported by Federal Sports Minister George Brandis.
Mr Brandis has called on Premier Peter Beattie to recognise the league star and the message from his loyal fans.
"Peter Beattie really should be listening to what local people are saying _ if they want to name the stand after one of their heroes, it should be up to them," Mr Brandis said.
But Mr Beattie wasn't changing his stance.
He said attracting events was a competitive market and hirers wanted clean venues where they could seam the facility for their codes and wanted opportunity to sell signage.
"Naming stands after players detracts from both of those requirements. It clashes with other codes wanting to promote their own stars who might be a feature of their game and it reduces signage space," Mr Beattie said.
Cowboys chairman Lawrence Lancini said while the result was disappointing, Bowman would `forever and a day' be recognised with his name connected to the Player of the Year medal.
But for Bowman's tireless fans it's not enough.
One texter, known only as Colin, wrote that if it was to be named Peter Beattie stadium the rule would be over-thrown without a problem.
Another wrote that the Government were `brainless, unfeeling, boring bureaucrats' that needed to get in touch with reality.
Sharon from West End wrote, "I just bet had he been the favourite player of the MSFA that it would have been done come hell or high water".
Blackers from Riverside Gardens wrote that it was `rubbish'.
A season ticket holder wrote that he was disgusted by the naming snub for his `King Bowman'.

[Retread]

Winning spirit
ANTONY STEWART


Paul Bowman will play his 200th game for the Cowboys tonight

THE original Cowboy Paul Bowman says the spirit within the North Queensland camp is as high as any time during his 13 seasons at the club.
And if yesterday's final training hit-out ahead of tonight's last regular season NRL clash with the Bulldogs was anything to go by, it would be hard to disagree.
It was a boisterous and excited Cowboys team that hit the field at Dairy Farmers Stadium, revelling in the confidence that comes following four consecutive victories.
With just one week left before a historic earned home final, Bowman said the mood within the squad was at least on par with the 2005 team that reached the grand final.
"At the moment I think it is as good as it has ever been," he said.
"Training this morning was probably as enthusiastic and jovial as I have seen in a while.
"It was still a very good session but the enthusiasm was really high.
"The confidence is probably up for everyone, so when your confidence is up and you're going to get a big crowd it's probably easy to get up for games like that."
Of course there was probably another reason why Bowman's teammates were itching to run out on to the Dairy Farmers Stadium surface tonight.
As well as being the perfect test heading into the finals, the Bulldogs match will mark the 30-year-old's 200th first-grade appearance, making him the first Cowboy to achieve such a feat.
Cowboys coach Graham Murray said everyone at the club was determined to make sure Bowman celebrated the occasion as a winner.
"Paul playing his 200th, they all want to be a part of that night," he said.
"And you couldn't have scripted it any better ... the last home game and playing his 200th. Everyone is excited about tomorrow night, particularly for `Bear' who has been the heart and soul of this club for a long time."
Bowman said he was happy to have his feat motivate his teammates – as long as it had the desired winning effect.
"If we get the win and they (the players) were doing it for that I would be really happy," he said.
"But I just want us to go out there and do our best to win the game and if that helps motivate the guys then great.
"But everyone is a professional player and they know what a big game it is for us regardless of whether it is my 200th, so I am sure everyone will be up for it," Bowman said.
However, just because it is a milestone match for Bowman does not mean he is expecting an easy time of it tonight. The Proserpine junior's move into the back row in recent weeks is one he has been relishing but it also means he is likely to run into one of the most destructive forces in rugby league – Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams.
While Bowman will more than likely defend on the right side of the field and Williams generally plays on the left, he reckons a match up with the big Kiwi would be inevitable.
"He bounces around either side of the field so I am sure at some stage I'll be up against him," Bowman said.
There were still about 5000 tickets remaining for the match last night.

[Retread]

YOUR BOWMAN TXTS

Bear, just wanted to congratulate you on your 200th game it has been an honour & a priviledge to watch u take the field. Thanks 4 putting your body on the line for our entertainment you have been worth every cent ! Sorbellos Ingham

Bear, you've done the north and the club proud. You're the greatest example of what being a nth qlder is all about, sticking through the tough times andbeing loyal. Now as nth qlders its time to repay u by cheering the boys on and getting u that premiership trophy u so deserve. Paul, I hope all goes well into your future and congrats on 200 games. Mick, C'brook

As a season ticket holder, I'm disgusted that there will be No stand named after king Bowman! After 12 years and 200 games, why shouldn't he get his own stand. Why is it that the beaurecrats decide everything? It's the community that ensures the success of the stadium, without the community, the stadium would be nothing!

Congratulations on reaching such a prestigious milestone. It's been great watching a boy from pros vegas in the nrl! Wish you and your family all the best for your future ! Jackson, michelle, hunter and beau finlay Xxx

well done mr bowman ur a gr8 role model 4 our juniors proud as punch tina wulguru

Why can't bear have his own stand.... Steve southern has his own stand already! Thumbs down to you mr beattie. Yes... thumbs down!

Qld goverment should b ashamed of themselves 4 not letting stand b named after a legend like Paul Bowman

Brainless, unfeeling, boring bureaucrats. They need 2 get in touch with reality & and join the human race. It is history any way you cut it and should be known as "The Paul Bowman Stand" Don Kelso

I bet if we wanted 2 call it the Peter Beatie stadium there wouldn't be a problem. Colin 4814

Re: no 2 paul bowman stand, i just bet had he been the favourite playerof the MSFA that it wld of been done cum hell or high water.BRING ON THE PAUL BOWMAN STAND! sharon. west end.

Bear,u hav epitomized wot our club & region has stood 4.I wil always remember how proud u were wen we won our 1st eva finals game vs dogs in syd,it was gr8 2 share the win wit the players at cogee bay afterwards aswell.Ur 1 of the best players never 2 play 4 AUS.But u wil always b NQ's real hero! Biff.

Bet sydney swans dont whine when they play a home game. no stands named after afl players at scg. msfa should take a mirror 2 bed and wake up2 themselves. pete kelso

Where did the QLD government get the money to own anything ? Let the people decide what to do with their tax dollars, as far as upsetting other sport codes getting upset what happened to sportsmanship - its bull dust such as this that teachers racism

I think its a real shame that they wont name the stand after paul he deserves it good luck paul 4 the future suey from kelso

Congrats 2 p bowman but it would have been nice 2 c josh hannay given a decent farewell 4 his contribution 2 the cowboys didnt he play 15O games jo cbk

Y would this b front page , who cares if they name any thing after a sportsman . garbutt

It is rubbish that we can't name the stand after bowman. He stands for what being a north queenslander is all about. Strength pride and commitment. Blackers, riverside gardens

The dairy farmer's eastern grandstand needs a namechange. It upsets pig farmers and people from the west. Lyn, wulguru.

[Retread]

Fans name own stand
ANTONY STEWART


GET THE MESSAGE ... fans took it into their own hands to name a stand in honour of 200-game Cowboy Paul Bowman

THERE were 34 players that took the field last night but it was clear there was just one bloke the fans had come to see – Paul Bowman.
On a historic night at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Bowman became the first player in Cowboys history to register 200 games for the team.
Often referred to as the `heart and soul' of the club, the stalwart could have been forgiven if he became a little emotional when he took the field against the Bulldogs.
As well as a standing ovation from the big crowd when he led North Queensland out, there were reminders everywhere of what his contribution to the team and the region had meant during his 13 seasons in first grade.
Some fans held up banners, while others even dressed up in costume to honour the man they fondly call `Bear'.
And after the Major Sports Facility Authority this week said no to a grandstand being named after the soon-to-be retired Bowman, North Queenslanders showed what they thought of that answer.
Before kick-off, massive signage was unravelled at the top of the northern grandstand, declaring the stand Paul Bowman's.
The response was unanimous and an overwhelming cheer went up in support for the temporary, but fitting alteration.
It was a perfect reception for a man who has been through all the highs and the many lows that have come during the Cowboys' 13 seasons in the big time.
After debuting as a 19-year-old on July 15, 1995, Bowman played in three North Queensland wooden spoon teams in six years and did not play in a side that finished higher than fifth from the bottom until after 2003.
Despite the team's poor end-of-season finishes, though, Bowman was still able to stamp his class, representing Queensland on 12 occasions.
Eventually the loyalty that has made the kid from Proserpine a legend in the North
was rewarded also when the Cowboys qualified for their first finals appearance in 2004.
A year later, in the proudest moment of his career, Bowman, who has scored 61 tries for the Cowboys, helped the club to their maiden NRL decider.
While the Cowboys fell short of a premiership that year, the 24,050-strong crowd on hand last night were no doubt hoping he can go one better and bow out a winner in 2007.

[Retread]

Grand plan for Bear
LIZ McKINNON


STAUE OPTION ... Cowboys legend Paul Bowman congratulates Ty Williams on his try in last night's win over the Bulldogs, the game Bowman's 200th in Cowboys' colours

THURINGOWA MP Craig Wallace's fight to have a grand stand named in North Queensland Cowboys veteran Paul Bowman has failed.
But the self-confessed fan has now started his own campaign to build a statue in the centre's honour.
Dairy Farmers Stadium's managers the Major Sports Facility Authority have agreed to have a bronze statue, similar to the Wally Lewis tribute at Suncorp Stadium, built at the ground's main entrance.
Mr Wallace has launched the campaign by pledging the first $1000 to fund the tribute.
"Let's do what they had in Brisbane. A public subscription," Mr Wallace said.
"People can come forward and give their money for the statue. I will put forward the first $1000 personally to get things started."
Pledges can be made at Mr Wallace's Townsville office.
He said the cost of the statue was not known but he encouraged fans to get behind the statue early.
"I know the people of North Queensland, not just Townsville, love the Cowboys. And I want them to put their money where their mouth is," Mr Wallace said.
"I reckon we should call the statue Bear. He'd love that.
"It's a community campaign to have him there forever."
The Cowboys announced this week that their plans to have the eastern grandstand named after the talented centre had failed.
Mr Wallace agreed after hearing the news to lobby to have it overturned.
But his talks with Major Sports Facility Authority chairman Wayne Myers yesterday failed to sway their tough policy.
He said he understood their reasoning because of the `commercial nature' of the venue.
The venue sells signage on the grandstands which Mr Wallace explained returned money to the economy.
He said having a naming on a grandstand would detract from sponsors.
Last night Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said he knew nothing about the statue idea.
"He hasn't discussed it with anyone within the club," Mr Parr said.
"We believe we have given Paul an incredible honour with the Player of the Year medal being named after him.
"If he (Mr Wallace) wants to lead a campaign for that I will have to, or the club will sit down and talk about it with him."
The refusal to name a grandstand after Bowman continues to anger fans with the Townsville Bulletin being swamped by messages over the past few days.

[Retread]

Bowman's last yee-ha for the Cowboys
Greg Davis


RIDING into sunset ... Paul and Shane Bowman at home with their children Grace, 5, and Harry, 3. Picture: Cameron Laird

ORIGINAL Cowboy Paul Bowman carries the No.4 jersey into battle this afternoon against the Warriors, despite being selected at lock for the past month.
After starting his career with the Cowboys in 1995, Bowman will close another chapter of one of rugby league's great careers when he plays his final game at Townsville's Dairy Farmers Stadium – the place he has called home for more than a decade.
In a fitting final tribute to the man they call "Bear", Bowman will do it in the jersey he has made his own over 13 seasons with the Cowboys.
With injuries and suspension tearing the heart out of the Cowboys pack, Bowman was moved to the back of the scrum to add his big heart to an inexperienced engine room. The shift coincided with North Queensland's six-game winning streak.
But despite the relocation out of the backline, Cowboys officials insisted Bowman continue to wear the No.4 jersey for the rest of the season.
"We had the numbers but Peter Parr (Cowboys chief executive) rang me and said Paul Bowman should finish his career in the No.4 here, which is fair enough, too," coach Graham Murray said.
"Paul has been very good for us since he moved from the centres to the back row.
"His defensive role hasn't changed too much and as an elder statesman knows how to go forward for us in attack, too."
Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston said yesterday sending the inspirational Bowman out with a Cinderella-style grand final finish had been the driving force behind North Queensland's performances in recent weeks.
"It's pretty crucial. If we lose we are out, obviously, so everyone is keen to get out there and do the job," Thurston said.
"It's significant for Bear so all the boys want to put in a good performance.
"He's been very valuable and he's had a lot of input in the last couple of weeks.
"You can really see the hunger in him. He wants to finish on a high note."
Thurston and fellow superstar Matt Bowen were offered the chance to sit out the final home-and-away match, against Canterbury, to rest for the finals a fortnight ago. But as the match coincided with Bowman's historic 200th game for the club – the first Cowboy to reach the double-century mark – they insisted on playing.
The gesture touched Bowman.
"That really meant a lot to me, that Johnno and Matty could have sat out but wanted to play," Bowman said.
Murray said the players were determined to give everything they had to ensure a winning Townsville send-off for one of the club's long-time servants.
"It will get a mention at our team meetings," Murray said.
"I don't think it needs to be highlighted by the players because they know how important Paul has been to this club."

It Will Be His Last Game Today

[Retread]

Originally Posted by WARRIORS

It Will Be His Last Game Today

It was his last game at Dairy Farmers and what a good one it was.

[Ged]

It's disappointing they couldn't name the stand after him. Anyway, it's good to see a fitting farewell tbh.