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Trio named Cowboys Way Award winners

Jordan McLean, China Polata and Wil Sullivan have been named Cowboys Way Award winners at tonight's North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Presentation Night.

The Cowboys Way Award recoginises players who exemplify club values both on and off the field.

McLean was once again a model of consistency in 2023, missing just two games, which was the third consecutive season playing in at least 22 games.

The 32-year-old continues to set the platform for the Cowboys forward pack both in games and at training. In a season where he celebrated his milestone 200th NRL game, McLean averaged 111 running metres and made 574 tackles at a remarkable efficiency of 96.2 percent.

A first-time State of Origin representative, Polata’s on-field brutality and professionalism at training, quickly endeared her to coaches and teammates alike.

Polata began the 2023 season on the wing and finished as a middle forward. She emerged as the Cowboys’ chief defensive enforcer, producing a number of highlight reel big hits.

In eight games, Polata averaged 79 running metres per game along with 14 tackle breaks and a try.

Sullivan quickly emerged as a leader of the Cowboys Young Guns program through his meticulous dedication to preparation and driving standards at training.

On the field, Sullivan enjoyed a fantastic 2023 season, earning a Queensland Under 19s jersey as well as a senior debut in the Queensland Cup.

Sullivan will train full-time alongside the NRL squad in 2024.

Acknowledgement of Country

North Queensland Cowboys respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.