‘Naturally gifted’ Cowboys player Noel Solomon dies aged 53

Former teammates and clubs are mourning the loss of a “magnificent” footy player and “genuine human being” after former Cowboys half Noel Solomon died.

Noel Solomon tackled during Norths v North Queensland Cowboys Winfield Cup game at North Sydney Oval in Sydney in 1995.

Former teammates and clubs are mourning the loss of a “magnificent” player and “genuine human being” after former North Queensland Cowboys half Noel Solomon died suddenly.

A member of the inaugural 1995 Cowboys squad, Solomon played six games for the Cowboys in the club’s maiden season, coming off the bench in the club’s first game against the Bulldogs, the club shared on social media.

“The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys would like to extend our condolences to the family of Cowboy. No 17 Noel Solomon, who passed away on Thursday evening,” the club posted.

“A Townsville junior, Solomon began his first grade career with the North Sydney Bears in 1992, playing 29 games across three seasons for the club, before returning home to North Queensland.”

The North Sydney Bears remembered their player #899.

“The club sends its sincere condolences to the Solomon family at this tragic time,” the club posted.

Former club legend and ex-teammate Greg Florimo paid tribute to his friend.

“A naturally gifted talent, he was also a warm and genuine human being,” he said.

“Noel could cut it with anyone on the field on his day, a magnificent passer of the ball and a solid chip and chase.

“He connected with everyone, Bears players and fans alike, always fun and funny, a good bloke. RIP Solo”

A Townsville junior of Torres Strait Islander descent, Solomon came to the Bears in 1991 and the club says he “was an instrumental part of our reserve grade grand final teams” in both 1991 and 1992.

He made his first-grade debut for the Bears in Round 15 of the 1992 NSWRL season against Newcastle Knights.

In 1993, he became a regular for the Bears, playing 21 of the club’s 22 games, starting 17 of them at halfback.

In 1994, Solomon played just five games for North Sydney, which included coming off the bench in their preliminary final loss to the Canberra Raiders.

In 1996, he played for the Mackay Sea Eagles in the Queensland Cup.

Originally published as ‘Naturally gifted’ Cowboys player Noel Solomon dies aged 53