Gavin Cooper has long been considered one of the best try scoring forwards of his generation, after his feats in 2018 he may have a claim to be considered the best.
Cooper became the first forward in premiership history to score tries in nine consecutive games, breaking the record previously set by newly inducted immortal Frank Burke in 1918.
The run began against South Sydney in Round 16, which was Cooper's 200th game in North Queensland Toyota Cowboys colours, and culminated with a memorable try from a Johnathan Thurston kick in the final game of JT's career against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 25.
The 33-year-old's 13 tries were the most of any forward in the competition and trailed only winger Kyle Feldt's 14 for the most at the Cowboys.
Cooper was again a model of consistency for the Cowboys, missing just one game throughout the season – the Round 13 victory over Manly due to his State of Origin commitments.
He retained his position in the Queensland State of Origin side and played all three matches in the Maroons 2-1 series loss to NSW.
Heading into the final season of a two-year contract extension, Cooper needs to play 16 games in 2019 to reach 300 in the NRL.
2018 stats:
Games: 23
Tries: 13
Line-breaks: 10
Average runs: 9
Average run metres: 73
Average tackles: 30
