Personnel on Lavarack Barracks get the go ahead from the Brigadier to don a Cowboys jersey

Fans across the region are pulling on their Cowboys colours ahead of the elimination final. See how the 3rd Brigade are backing the team and how diehard supporters are getting in the spirit.

Australian Army soldiers from 4th Regiment wear their North Queensland Cowboys jersey's in support of the home game final, on 13 September 2024, at Lavarack Barracks. Photo: CPL Guy Sadler

A set of very special orders were sent around to the units on Lavarack Barracks on Friday morning stating that due to the outstanding achievement of the Cowboys making it into the finals, all personnel were authorised to show off their North Queensland colours.

The order of the day, signed off by the 3rd Brigade Brigadier Dave McCammon said that securing a home ground final “represents an outstanding achievement for the North Queensland Cowboys.”

Acting Commander, Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Hawley said that 3rd Brigade had built such a strong connection with the Cowboys, so it was only fitting to show their support.

“There’s clear connections between what they’re doing and what we’re trying to do. They’ve got elite athletes and we’ve got soldiers all trying to be the best that they can be in their given adventures,” he said.

Before moving to Townsville three years ago, Mr Hawley had barely watched a single NRL game but since settling down in the North he couldn’t help but become a supporter.

Lance Bombardier Liam Stone from 4th Regiment holding the ‘Order of the day’ while wearing his North Queensland Cowboys jersey in support of the home game final, on 13 September 2024, at Lavarack Barracks. Photo: CPL Guy Sadler

“You almost can’t help it, it’s contagious how supportive it is,” he said.

“All we can do is support them as they continue to keep their finals hopes alive but that connection is invaluable to us, day in and day out.”

As for his favourite player, Mr Hawley said that he would be keeping an eye on Kyle Feldt as his time at the club comes to an end.

“In my mind Feldt embodies what they are, this high performing humble group of very talented humans,” he said.

“That’s what we try to emulate as well with our young soldiers.”

Lance Bombardier Liam Stone from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery has been a long time Cowboys fan with fond memories of the 2015 grand final.

“I was only 15 and I watched it with my dad and I was over the moon when I watched it,” he said.

“It feels unreal that they’ve made the finals this year … if the boys play like how they played against the Bulldogs then we should be good.”

‘I believe’: Diehard Cowboys fans out in full force

Jami Roberts

Diehard Cowboys fans are gearing up for the do or die final on Saturday night, as they put the final preparations on their posters and outfits to show the ultimate support for their team.

One of the team’s biggest fans, Darryl Serrurier has been following the North Queensland team for more than 25 years and has built up an impressive collection of memorabilia and memories.

“I started collecting little bits and pieces every now and again,” Mr Serrurier said.

“I love the Cowboys because it’s the local team, the local sport … you see all these people coming in from Mackay and Mount Isa, it’s just a great feeling.”

The electrician said that he is seeing a lot of parallels between this year’s finals and the Cowboys last grand final win.

Cowboys fans ready for home final. Melissa Miles with Joseph Munro, 1 and Tia Munro, 5, Darryl Serrurier, Jessica Roncal, Zoey Leach, 6, Sienna Corsaro, 15, Jaxon Wright, 6, Harper Emery, 9, and Maha Ammar, 9. Picture: Evan Morgan

“It’s starting to get the same feeling as 2015 and the same build up, the way they went in to win it,” he said.

“It would be great to send out our guys, Feldty (Kyle Feldt) and Val (Valentine Holmes) with a win.”

Mr Serrurier said that he believes his team has everything it takes to make it all the way to the big dance

“Keep going the way they’re going. They have built it up from the last three weeks, that game last week was brilliant and I know they’ve got it in them,” he said.

Another die hard fan is nine year old Harper Emery who, despite her favourite player having already retired, is wishing the Cowboys the best of luck.

“My favourite player is Johnathan Thurston and I really hope the Cowboys win,” she said.

Originally published as Personnel on Lavarack Barracks get the go ahead from the Brigadier to don a Cowboys jersey