Cowboys veteran Jake Granville calls end to stellar NRL career

One of North Queensland’s most popular players has played his last game for the Cowboys after 12 seasons in the NRL, but he’s not hanging up the boots just yet. Find out what’s next for him.

Jake Granville of the Cowboys celebrates the R13 win against the Roosters.Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Cowboys fan-favourite Jake Granville’s time in the NRL has come to a close, with the 35-year-old veteran officially calling a day on his time in North Queensland.

While his NRL days are over following a season-ending pectoral injury, Granville will explore overseas options to continue playing the game in 2025 – as reported by the Bulletin in April.

Granville achieved life membership at the Cowboys earlier this season when he made his 200th club appearance.

The 2015 premiership winner will be honoured by the club in the final regular season home game against the Melbourne Storm in round 26 on Thursday, August 29.

The fearless utility paid homage to the club that threw him an NRL lifeline in 2015 after 10 games for the Brisbane Broncos.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 02: Jake Granville of the Cowboys passes the ball during the round 13 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium, on June 02, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

“When I arrived in North Queensland, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to play 10 seasons for the Cowboys,” Granville said.

“I’ve loved every second of my time at the club and I’m sad to be leaving, but I know this is the right time.

“I am hoping to explore opportunities to finish my career overseas, which I think would be a great experience for our family.

“I’d like to thank the Cowboys members and fans, staff and all my teammates for their support over the years.”

Granville was born in Rockhampton and began playing junior rugby league with the Rockhampton Brothers before he was signed by the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in 2008, going on to make his NRL for Brisbane in 2013.

Cowboys boss Micheal Luck said Granville would go down as one of the toughest players to play for the club.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a more popular player in the 30 seasons of our club,” Luck said.

“The toughness and grit Jake plays the game with resonates with the people of North Queensland. The roar every time he runs on to Queensland Country Bank Stadium encapsulates the way our fanbase feels about him.

“Jake and Zoe have been an integral part of the Cowboys’ family since they arrived almost 10 years ago. We will be sad to say goodbye, but they will always be welcome at our club.”

Originally published as Cowboys veteran Jake Granville calls end to stellar NRL career