North Queensland back-rower Coen Hess has boldly declared he wants to join Matt Scott and Paul Bowman as Cowboys greats after re-signing with the NRL club for another three years.
Hess, 22, has already turned heads after emerging from the Cowboys Elite Pathways Program to play five games for Queensland and 59 NRL matches since making his senior grade debut as a 19-year-old in 2015.
Hess hoped he would be a one-club player and mentioned in the same breath as his idols Scott and Bowman after re-signing with the Cowboys until 2022.
"This club means everything to me. Growing up in Mt Isa, I have lived and breathed the Cowboys for as long as I can remember," Hess said.
"I've never wanted to play for any other club other than the Cowboys.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Matt Scott and Paul Bowman are legends of this club and are two players I have always looked up to.
"They are both one club players and hopefully one day I can be considered in the same regard as them."
Cowboys football director Peter Parr said offering Hess a long-term contract was a no brainer.
"Coen Hess is one of the best young forwards in the game and at 22 all of his best football is in front of him," he said.
"Given his age, what he's already done in the game and the level we believe he will get to, it was an easy decision on our part to secure him long term.
"We not only think he will boost our on-field performances, but as he gets older play a really key off-field role as well."
