With a supporter footprint stretching the length and breadth of Queensland, the North Queensland Cowboys will continue to impact on positive health behaviours among Indigenous communities thanks to its ongoing partnership with Deadly Choices and the local community-controlled Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS).
Following a year like no other, and with 2021 bringing the COVID-19 vaccination roll out plus ongoing encouragement to empower individuals and families to take control of their own health, the support of the Cowboys will become even more pivotal across the next 12 months.
“Deadly Choices and the Cowboys have been working together for many years now and it’s a great example of two great community-minded organisations working together towards a common goal,” confirmed Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel.
Joining the Cowboys CEO at tomorrow’s launch will be Cowboys outside back, Javid Bowen, powerhouse forward Francis Molo, along with former Cowboys and Deadly Choices Ambassadors, Willie Tonga and Brenton Bowen – whose artwork adorns the shirts – plus Australian touch and rugby representative Bo de la Cruz.
All will be decked out in the all-new Cowboys Deadly Choices health check shirts, which will be made available to community members who book a health check at any one of Queensland’s many participating Community Controlled Health Services.
The shirt design artwork has been passionately produced by former player Brenton Bowen, who has tried to capture the essence of a club admired by both players and fans alike.
“As a former North Queensland Cowboys player, the 2021 Deadly Choices health check shirt design is very special to me,” confirmed Bowen.
“Within the top right of the art piece, our Torres Strait brothers and sisters are represented, while on the corresponding left side there is representation of the highly successful ‘Try for Five’ Cowboys community initiative.
“The symbol immediately below represents the three Grand Final appearances secured by the Club, while the shield in the middle testament to the 2015 NRL Premiership success.
“Within the bottom right corner, the tree symbolises knowledge being passed on through the Old Boys and within the grassroots of North Queensland, including players that retire who remain a part of the Club, and one who successfully became Head Coach.
“Within the entire piece, the footprints represent the numerous people who follow and support the Cowboys. While the team is based in Townsville, it is acknowledged that the club enjoys support from far and wide.”
There’s also great anticipation surrounding community interactive opportunities restarting at Cowboy’s home games during the coming year, facilitated by TAIHS Deadly Choices Program Officers.
Included will be a dedicated Deadly Choices NRL fixture round and other home game activations within the Queensland Country Bank Stadium precinct.