In the cowboys, the country is difficult, since the cardados of the north of which you can take a break cannot take a break, nor the NRL team of the region either.
“We have not won this year. It has been a difficult and difficult beginning,” admits the end of Northern Queensland, Murray Taulagi.
“We are just trying to be positive.”
Murray Taulagi gets an attempt during the third round of the 2025 NRL season in Brisbane. (AAP: Scott Davis, NRL photos)
As is the rest of the region.
The sudden floods in Townsville last week followed the generalized riverside floods and flooding of properties in the nearby Ingham last month.
In the Sugar Shire Laurie Spina, the inaugural captain of the cowboys, lost large amounts of cane when a water wall hit its farm.
“Cane is affected, the harvest will be low, that’s safe,” he said.
“We are quite hard. We will have to build, but we have been affected quite badly.“
Laurie Spina, the inaugural captain of the cowboys, is now an Ingham cane farm that recovers from floods. (ABC News: Chloe Chomicki)
A cowboys victory against the Raiders on Saturday would lift the soaked spirit and North Queensland team is very conscious.
“Hopefully we can get the victory and put a smile again on the faces of northern Queenslanders,” Taulagi said.
“They have been a difficult months, I am anxious to do the job.”
The houses, companies and farms were flooded by flood waters in Ingham in February. (ABC News: Sophie Johnson)
When a disaster occurs, cowboys can be a source of inspiration.
I just ask the legend of the Premiership winning club Johnathan Thurston.
“I was never lost to make a good performance because whatever is happening in the life of the people of Northern Queensland, that the 80 minutes are playing, it’s like an escape,” he said.
“These are floods, cyclones or drought.
“It is as if their concerns disappear because they are supporting you and are focused on you.“
Johnathan Thurson is shown in his final match in Robina on September 1, 2018. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
In 2025, the cowboys in northern Queensland are marking 30 years since they joined the League.
The milestone has the Jeff Reibel CEO feeling nostalgic.
Some of his best memories are from the tour of the Club Premier League trophy.
The CEO of the Cowboys, Jeff Reibel, at the Townsville High Performance Center. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)
The cowboys brought fanfare to the regional cities of northern Queensland, where passengers fought a year of drought.
“I remember we were west and someone came and said ‘That is the first time I see my dad to smile in the last four or five years, so thanks,'” said Reibel.
“I think that only shows what we mean for the community, but just as important what the North Queensland community means for our club.“
The cowboys took the 2015 Premier League trophy to Mackay (in the photo), Cairns, Townsville and beyond. (ABC Tropical North: Sophie Kesteven)
A victory against the Raiders in Townsville would certainly raise spirits, but would also take pressure from the cowboys.
On several occasions in recent weeks, Chief coach Todd Payten has recognized criticism of his team without victories, even calling him “justified.”
“We feel under pressure as a club,” he told reporters after the match last week.
“He will return, we just have to make him turn through hard work.”
Win, lose or draw, the cowboys will retain some of the most dedicated fans in the League, won during their 30 years representing the region.
Ronnie “Crocky” Murphy travels to almost all games at the Cowboys house from Mount Isa. (ABC News: Emily Dobson)
Ronnie “Crocky” Murphy has attended almost all games at home since the new Townsville stadium opened in 2020, despite living 900 kilometers away.
“It’s a lot of money and a lot of time, but they are worth it. I love my children,” insists the fan -based fan at Mount Isa.
This year it will be different for the new grandmother, but as many will see from afar.
“I have to take some time to my family, but I will definitely go to some games,” he said.
