Matt Bowen Announces NRL Retirement

[Big Pete]

Bowen to farewell the NRL - North Queensland Cowboys

Maybe headed overseas or might just accept an off-field position at the Cowboys.

 

[Big Pete]

Re: Matt Bowen Set To Retire From NRL

Arguably the most important player the Cowboys ever had. On his day, one of the game's most exciting players but unlike a lot of the superstar esque talents, he didn't come with any baggage and seemed to typify the care-free attitude of the region.

His 2007 is right up there as one of the best seasons I've seen from a fullback (arguably player) and his comeback in 2011-12 was great to see as well.

Onya Mango and thank god you can't terrorise the Broncos anymore!!

 

[Anonymous person]

thanks for the memories Bowen! had a fantastic career, only injuries and idiotic selectors held him back from reaching the top for longer.

like big pete, i dont think ive ever seen a better season or 2 by an individual than bowen had a few years back. the cowboys season highlights dvd is basically a bowen highlights dvd.

ill never forget the roar of the crowd when he took that intercept in origin either. one of the happiest moments of my life lol.

 

[vertigo]

Still have nightmares about that game last year where he got the ball off the scrum and strolled though for the match winner.

 

[jarro65]

Farewell to a little champion.

 

[Nashy]

Love the bloke, he will certainly be missed. Everytime they said he was old and past it, he proved them wrong.

 

[Broncoman]

A true champion in all senses of the word and a huge disappointment too see him go, one of the most naturally gifted talented players I've ever seen and a true ambassador for the game.

A shame that he played in an era with so many talented fullbacks etc, if it wasn't for Darren Lockyer and Billy Slater bringing the ball back Bowen would've played a lot more rep footy than what he did.

Thanks for the memories Mango and good luck in the future.

 

[Alec]

Does he want to coach?

 

[Broncoman]

thanks for the memories Bowen! had a fantastic career, only injuries and idiotic selectors held him back from reaching the top for longer.

It shouldn't really be much of a mystery too see why Bowen was often overlooked for Rep footy. Just like David Peachey have you looked at an Australian and in Bowen's case QLD lineup throughout their careers and seen who they were up against for a spot?

 

[Buzz Killington]

Why is this guy retiring? He is on fire today scored one and setup another 3!

 

[theshed]

It shouldn't really be much of a mystery too see why Bowen was often overlooked for Rep footy. Just like David Peachey have you looked at an Australian and in Bowen's case QLD lineup throughout their careers and seen who they were up against for a spot?

I agree. Its blatant racism!

 

[KingWebcke]

I agree. Its blatant racism!

Nathan Merritt all over again!

but on a more serious note, Mango was one of my favourite non-Broncos players for the last decade. An exhilarating runner, a passing game that wouldn't have looked out of place in the halves and arguably had one of the best kicking games of any fullback (I know this is controversial but I think he kicked as well as Lockyer did).

It has been a bit sad to see him regress so badly this year but that shouldn't cover the fact that he has been a sensational player for such a long time

 

[Buzz Killington]

Are people being serious here? Do you really think Bowen was a better fullback than Lockyer, KHunt or Slater at the times each were being selected and that him being an aboriginal was somehow part of the reason he wasn't picked?

 

[theshed]

Are people being serious here?

no.

 

[Kimlo]

A shame to see him go, if we can't sign anyone else I wouldn't be against having him for a year to play at 6 until one of our rookies (or DCE/SJ) are ready to play for us.

 

[Charmamba]

It's the right time for him to hang up the boots, if he left it any longer no doubt an unlucky injury would end his career instead. Going out on his terms, enjoy retirement. Not a fan of him on field but he is a great bloke and was always a pleasure to chat with, the only sober footy player to enter a Townsville nightclub.

 

[Anonymous person]

It shouldn't really be much of a mystery too see why Bowen was often overlooked for Rep footy. Just like David Peachey have you looked at an Australian and in Bowen's case QLD lineup throughout their careers and seen who they were up against for a spot?

matt bowen was better than many, many players chosen ahead of him, especially when it came to current form.