Reuben Cotter inks three-year North Queensland Cowboys extension

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter has signed a long-term deal to remain at the club. Read what excites him most about the core squad North Queensland is bulding.

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter inked a three-year extension on Monday that will see him stay in North Queensland until at least the end of the 2028 season. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter inked a three-year extension on Monday that will see him stay in North Queensland until at least the end of the 2028 season.

The local product was one of the top prospects set to hit free agency on November 1 and was widely considered one of the most underpaid players in the NRL.

After an injury-interrupted start to his career, playing just 21 games across his first three seasons, Cotter has remained healthy to play 58 in his last three seasons including breaking into the Queensland Maroons and Australian Kangaroos squads.

Cotter said it was a “no-brainer” to sign with the club he grew up supporting.

“It was a no-brainer for myself and my family. My wife’s from the Burdekin, I’m from Mackay, so obviously it made sense for me to stay here and I’m very excited to be extending,” Cotter said.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Reuben Cotter of the Cowboys is tackled during the round 23 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 10, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I’m extremely grateful for what’s happened over the past few years, especially after the start of my career. I’ve enjoyed every bit and I certainly don’t take it for granted.”

Cotter joined a group of Cowboys players now signed on long-term deals including Tom Dearden (2029), Heilum Luki (2029), Jeremiah Nanai (2027), Scott Drinkwater (2027), Jason Taumalolo (2027) and Coen Hess (2027).

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: Reuben Cotter of the Cowboys reacts after giving away a penalty during the round 26 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 29, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old lock said he was excited to see what the club was working towards.

“There’s a core group here and I love playing alongside all of these boys and I’m excited for what we’re building,” Cotter said.

“There’s a few things defensively we need to fix up but I’m excited for this back-end of the season and the years to come.

“This group is very special and I think what we’re working towards is special as well.”

Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said Cotter’s signature secured the long-term future of the club’s plans.

“This is a hugely important day for our club being able to formally announce a contract extension for one of our co-captains who has become one of the best middle forwards in the game,” Luck said.

“Reuben epitomises what we want our club to represent. He works hard, he’s humble and he’s selfless.

“This gives Reuben, his wife Mackenzie and their young family the security to firmly entrench their roots at home in North Queensland.

“We are thrilled to secure Reuben until at least the end of 2028 and look forward to the contributions he will make to the success of our club.”

Originally published as Reuben Cotter inks three-year North Queensland Cowboys extension