Gold Star and Foundation member Wayne Ring was among the throng of North Queensland Toyota Cowboys fans celebrating Scott Bolton’s two-year contract extension, announced late last week.
Having followed the club since before its inception into the national competition in 1995, Wayne was excited to hear the news about his ‘best player’.
“The team has a number of high profile players that fans rate as their best, but mine would have to be Scott Bolton,” Mr Ring said.
“He is a hard working forward and does the hard yards in attack and defence irrespective of whether he starts or comes off the bench.”
It’s about history
Now retired, Wayne says that being part of history was the main reason he joined the club, and is pleased to see so many players dedicating their playing careers to the North's team.
“I joined as a Foundation member because it was the sense of being part of history in the making [because], for many years, people of North Queensland had to watch players from this region go to either Brisbane or Sydney to play or get a chance to play in representative teams.
“I wanted to watch the club develop into a team that could play consistently well, and compete at a high level so that it could attract players from this region and give them an opportunity to showcase their talent in their local region.”
Magic moments
Throughout his 20 years supporting the club, there have been a number of key moments for Wayne, but there's one highlight that's common to most Cowboys members and fans.
“There have been a number of enjoyable moments – one would have to be Round 1, 1995 against the Bulldogs – the Cowboys were finally in the competition.
"Then there was the electrifying atmosphere and the expectation of the fans watching the team defeat the Broncos in 2005 on the way to the club's first GF appearance.
“But my all-time favourite Cowboys moment was being at the 2015 Grand Final and watching JT kick the field goal to win!”
Being part of a community
Each special moment and the excitement of seeing his team play are part of the reason Wayne has stayed with the club for so long.
“I would definitely encourage other Cowboys fans to join as a member,” he said.
“Being a member gives them member benefits and also allows fans the opportunity to be part of a club that is part of the local community.”
The Cowboys thank Wayne, and the many other Foundation members, for their longstanding commitment to the club. You’ve believed in us even before we became the club we are today, and we are proud to have you in our Cowboys family.
The Cowboys membership program is proudly supported by Shine Lawyers. For more information on Shine Lawyers and details for their Townsville branch, visit shine.com.au.
