Cowboys legend signs on to coach at elite school footy factory

A legendary former Cowboys, Maroons and Kangaroos test star has been unveiled as coach for one of North Queensland’s elite school footy talent factories. See who’s leading the charge.

NRL - North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors @ Dairy Farmers stadium -Johnathan Thurston (R) takes a rest on the bench beside Matt Bowen (L) near the end of the game

Legendary former Cowboys and Queensland State of Origin fullback Matt Bowen will nurture Kirwan State High School’s emerging generation of female rugby league talent as head coach of the school’s open girls rugby league team.

Bowen, 42, was one of the greatest attacking weapons of his generation during a 270-game NRL career between 2001 and 2013.

Since retirement Bowen has branched into coaching, leading Centrals to the 2018 A Grade title and Townsville to win the 2024 Foley Shield.

Now the former Australian test representative is embracing a new challenge, taking on a young Kirwan Grizzlies squad with aspirations of state glory and NRLW stardom beyond.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Bowen said.

Kirwan Grizzlies 2025 coaching staff with players. Left to Right: Kate McCulloch (Assistant Coach), Nylani Namai, Matt Bowen (Head Coach), Ava Wagner, David Faiumu (Director of Rugby League). Picture: Supplied.

“I had a good opportunity to coach my daughter Diaz’s team at the club level with Western Lions and thought I’d give it a crack at Kirwan.

“You can see how much faster and fitter women’s rugby league has got since it first started and it’s only going to grow bigger. It’s a massive competition and the pathways they’ve got with the Cowboys NRLW team at their front door is great for them. I can’t wait to begin.”

Bowen is no stranger to coaching in the junior arena either.

North Queensland Cowboys legend Matt Bowen will be coaching Centrals Tigers in the 2018 season. Picture; Zak Simmonds

His Western Lions under-16s won the premiership with a 14-1 record in 2024, led by 14-year-old Diaz at fullback and a host of Kirwan players including Macey Lahrs, the daughter of Bowen’s former Indigenous All-Stars teammate Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.

Now Bowen hopes to bring that success at club level to the statewide stage, with Diaz transferring from Ryan Catholic College to Kirwan to be a part of her father’s mission.

“I want to bring that same camaraderie we had at the club team and make them come together and play as a team,” Bowen said.

Matt Bowen with children Matthew Jr (left) and Diaz Bowen (right) in 2023. Picture: Supplied.

“I want them to enjoy footy and enjoy each other’s company because it’s not all about winning.

“Most of my Western Lions girls are at Kirwan so hopefully that can transfer to school footy.”

None of the 40-strong Kirwan squad are guaranteed a position in the final team, and Bowen stressed that his former club players nor his daughter would receive preferential treatment at North Queensland’s finest football talent factory.

“Diaz will be in the younger group because she’s only just turned 15 but they will all be fighting for their spots in the Grizzlies,” Bowen declared.

“Everyone is a chance (for selection), just because she’s my daughter she won’t get first preference and I’ve made that clear.”

Bowen will lead a coaching staff with former Cowboy David Faiumu and 2024 Grizzlies head coach Kate McCulloch, and serve as a mentor to the school’s Indigenous students when not on the field.

Cowboy David Faiumu during the 2008 NRL season

Deputy principal Dave Ackers said it was a sign of growth in Kirwan’s rugby league program to sign a coach of Bowen’s experience and calibre.

“It’s definitely a good endorsement for our girls rugby league program, which has been running for six or seven years now,” Ackers said.

“The quality of person and player that Matty was is second-to-none and since his retirement he’s won local A Grade, he’s coached in the junior Blackhawks system and he’s won a premiership in the junior female space as well, developing girls there.

“He’s certainly not coming on board as a fresh coach. He’s coached some of our girls before and against others as well so he comes in with knowledge around their strengths and weaknesses. We definitely think he can take our program to the next level.”

Originally published as Cowboys legend signs on to coach at elite school footy factory