‘One of the best middle forwards in the game’: Reuben Cotter commits to the Cowboys after signing lengthy new deal

The Cowboys have received a pre-finals boost with co-captain Reuben Cotter signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season.

Cotter, 25, still had another season to run on his current deal but has received an upgrade on the back of his terrific form in the middle for North Queensland, Queensland and Australia.

Serious knee injuries kept him sidelined earlier in his career, but he’s gone from a luckless hooker to one of the most effective forwards in the NRL who can play lock, prop and on an edge.

That versatility has been vital for the Maroons where he starred in 2023 and claimed the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal.

With the club letting Valentine Holmes and Chad Townsend go next season, Cotter and fellow co-captain Tom Dearden will take on even more responsibility in a team that will return to the finals next week.

“This is a hugely important day for our club being able to formally announce a contract extension for one of our co-captains who has become one of the best middle forwards in the game,” Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.

“Reuben epitomises what we want our club to represent. He works hard, he’s humble and he’s selfless.

“This gives Reuben, his wife Mackenzie and their young family the security to firmly entrench their roots at home in North Queensland.

“We are thrilled to secure Reuben until at least the end of 2028 and look forward to the contributions he will make to the success of our club.”