Cowboys veteran re-signs

Cowboys veteran Gavin Cooper has signed a one-year extension with the club.

The 34-year old played his 300th game earlier in the season, becoming just the 37th played to accomplish such a feat.

He will enter his 11th season for the Cowboys next year and 15th in the league.

Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr was thrilled to see a player of Cooper's stature remain at the helm.

“We have a number of talented young edge back rowers at the club who we think are going to develop into really good NRL players and another year with Gavin is going to assist their development,” Parr told the club website.

“Re-signing Coops also ensures we retain a strong leader, which is important with Matthew Scott and Scott Bolton leaving the club at the end of the season.

“He has also played every game this year, so he’s stood the test of time and shown great durability and our medical staff see no reason why that can’t continue for another 12 months. When we weighed everything up, we thought another year was appropriate because of the value he brings on and off the field.”

Cooper was excited to extend his career into 2020, believing he still has plenty left in the tank.

“I still love playing footy and I still feel like I have a lot to offer the game,” he said.

“We have an exciting squad and the chance to mentor the younger players at our club is something that appeals to me.

“The opportunity to play at our new stadium in 2020 in front of Cowboys fans also played a part in our decision.”