Sam McIntyre nominated for Cowboys prestigious Ken Stephen Medal

Cowboys Prop Sam McIntyre might have been nominated for a prestigious honour for his work in the community, but that’s not why he spends his time giving back. WATCH THE VIDEO

When not making valuable yards for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys on the playing field, damaging prop Sam McIntyre likes nothing better than being a role model for students at his adopted school.

Since joining the Cowboys in 2023, McIntyre has been fully involved with the club’s different community programs – especially its flagship Adopt-a-School program where he is linked to Annandale State School.

His dedication to community work off the field has earned him the club’s nomination for the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal and he has been named in the NRL’s Community Team of the Year.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prop Sam McIntyre at his adopted school Annandale State School. Sam McIntyre with Harper Wood, 10, and Jackson Killman, 10. Picture: Evan Morgan

At his adopted school yesterday, McIntyre said when he was growing up in Port Macquarie he felt lucky if he met his NRL heroes once every six months.

“Maybe once every six months, if I was lucky, once every two years or so, an NRL team would come to Port Macquarie and (we would) get to see the NRL stars,” the prop said.

“They were role models for me, so hopefully I can sort of aspire to be a role model to some of these kids.

He said he always had an important message to pass on to the students at his adopted school.

“It’s always, always about teamwork, playing fair, inclusion, and really the main thing is just having fun.

Sam McIntyre of the Cowboys is tackled by Connelly Lemuelu of the Dolphins during the round 15 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on June 14, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I wish I could go back in time when I was a kid, when I was at school, I didn’t like it as much, but when you look back and you think, wow, I used to hang out my friends every day.

I always try to tell them to have fun with their friends and ask them how they’re enjoying it (school),” he said.

He said he was proud and privileged to be to be nominated by his club for the Ken Stephen Medal.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prop Sam McIntyre at his adopted school Annandale State School. Picture: Evan Morgan

“But I think if you asked everyone who got nominated, no one’s really trying to win that award.

“I’m very grateful to be to be recognised by my club about the things I do in the community. I’m just happy to happy to be out here within the community, just seeing smiles on faces, doing my part where I can. That’s the most important thing. It’s that’s more rewarding to me than any medal will be,” he said.

Originally published as Sam McIntyre nominated for Cowboys prestigious Ken Stephen Medal