After two injury-interrupted seasons in the Cowboys’ NRL squad, Hope Vale product Javid Bowen, 23, finally arrived as a bona fide top-tier rugby league player in 2016.
Having carved out a reputation in under-20s and Intrust Super Cup level as a devastating attacking player, Bowen wasted no time in showcasing his talents to the league with a try on debut against the Dragons in a 36-0 Round 5 rout in front of home fans.
He would go on to score four tries in his first five NRL games, and finished the year as a member of Paul Green’s finals campaign when injury began to test the club’s depth in the outside backs.
Equally at home on the wing or in the centres, Bowen is expected to challenge more established teammates in the selection stakes for 2017.
The crowning glory of a successful season for Bowen came when he was awarded Rookie of the Year honours at the end-of-year presentation ball.
2016 STATS
Played: 10
Tries: 4
Average run metres: 118m
Tackle breaks: 38
Line breaks: 5
