The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year contract extension with Mitch Dunn and activated the one-year club option for Jake Granville, locking both long-term Cowboys in for the 2023 season.
A home-grown North Queensland product, Dunn has appeared in 50 games over the course of five seasons with the Cowboys.
A star half coming through the Cowboys junior system, Dunn transitioned to the second row upon joining the NRL squad in 2018. He again shifted position in 2021, moving to middle forward and enjoyed a run of career best form in Todd Payten’s first year at the club.
The 25-year-old, who is part of the Cowboys leadership group, is currently sidelined for the remainder of the 2022 season with an ACL injury.
The activation of the club option in Granville’s contract will see the Cowboys fan favourite remain in Cowboys colours for a ninth season.
The 33-year-old last week moved into the top 10 for all-time appearances in club history. His 168th Cowboys appearance tied fellow club legend Michael Morgan’s career mark.
Granville continues to be a versatile weapon off the bench for Payten, making appearances at fullback, centre, second-row and lock as well as his usual dummy half role over the past two seasons.
“Mitch has endured an unlucky stretch with injury,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“He’s a Cowboys junior who we’ve always had high hopes for and he’s emerged as a great young leader in the group.
“We will stand behind Dunny as he overcomes this latest setback and look forward to him getting back on the field and playing good footy because when he’s playing well he makes our team better.”
Luck said the club was delighted to retain Granville for another season.
“Jake has shown again this year he is willing to do whatever role the team needs. He has played in multiple positions again and done a really good job in all of them,” he said.
“His attitude off the field is wonderful, he makes the group better and he drives the team with his enthusiasm and his work ethic.”
