Bowen confirmed for Cowboys at NRL Nines

Matt Bowen says he's thrilled to be able to run in his old Cowboys colours one last time after being named in North Queensland's Auckland Nines squad.

Matt Bowen says he's thrilled to have been named in North Queensland's Auckland Nines squad. (AAP)

Matt Bowen will make his swansong appearance for the NRL club after being named in the Cowboys' squad for the Auckland Nines.

The 33-year-old played 270 games for the Cowboys and retired at the end of the 2013 season. He went on to play for Wigan for two seasons in the Super League, helping the team to consecutive grand finals.

He returned with his family to North Queensland in January and now works as the club's community engagement officer.

Bowen said he was thrilled to get the chance to be able to run in his old team colours.

"Johnno (Johnathan Thurston) and a few of the other boys were texting me when I was over in England asking me if I would be keen to play," he said.

"And I always said that if Greeny (coach Paul Green) asked me, I would.

"My first day back at the club, he asked me to play in the Nines and I jumped at the opportunity."

Bowen said he had been training with the team and was confident his fitness would be up to scratch.

The Cowboys will announce their full 18-man Nines squad on Tuesday and fly to New Zealand the following day.

The Nines will be played on February 6-7, with the Cowboys drawn in a pool with Newcastle, Penrith and Wests Tigers.