Hot on the heels of a drought-breaking National Rugby League victory, the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have celebrated a record-breaking season off the field with the club’s annual members’ carnival at Cowboys HQ.
In a fitting sign-off to the club's members’ round – which included the team wearing their 2016 Members jerseys featuring members' names in their 34-6 win over the Warriors – today’s carnival featured the Cowboys squad meeting and mixing with our valued members.
As well as having items signed by the players and the chance to congratulate them on last night's win, members enjoyed the live music, kids amusements and sponsor displays and activations, including from Shine Lawyers, our valued membership partner.
“Members’ round and this fantastic members’ carnival mean the world to us as a club, because membership is the way we create and nurture our Cowboys family,” said club CEO Greg Tonner.
“We’re so thrilled to have 19,645 members for the 2016 season, a 37% per cent increase on last year’s figure, which is the biggest year-on-year increase in the 21-year history of this great club.”
Saturday night’s resounding win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Cowboys and officially qualified the team for the 2016 NRL finals series, which begins in three weeks’ time.
Co-captain Johnathan Thurston said meeting members at the carnival was a fitting way to cap off a great weekend.
“I know the boys circle this event on the calendar each year because we know how vital having a strong membership base is to the overall health of the club,” Thurston said.
“For us to spend time signing and talking to our members means plenty to the playing group – it’s our small way of saying thanks for your support.”
Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of barnstorming lock Jason Taumalolo as the 2016 Members’ Player.
Taumalolo got the majority vote after members were asked to nominate their favourite 2016 Cowboy.
Today's carnival followed celebrations for our 2016 members at last night's home game, which included spot prizes in the stands, a big night at Bluey's members bar with injured prop Ben Hannant dropping in, and the chance to win match-worn Members jerseys in the kicking comp at NRL half time.
Thank you to all of our members for your support in 2016!
