BIG MOMENTS: Cowboys Debuting For Maroons

There’s been 22 Cowboys that have played for QLD in State of Origin clashes.

Next Wednesday Mount Isa boy Coen Hess will take that figure to 23.

Today for Throwback Thursday we’re taking a look at some of the biggest Maroons stars to come out of Cowboys country. 

Matthew Bowen- Debut year: 2003

In 2003, Bowen made his representative debut, being called up to the Queensland team for Game II of the State of Origin series. He played 16 minutes as a substitute, as Queensland lost the series. He was selected again for Game III of the series, coming off the bench in Queensland's 36-6 win.

Johnathan Thurston- Debut year: 2005

In his debut match for Queensland in Game 1 of the 2005 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium, Thurston was voted Player's Player after being in the top 4 tacklers and kicking a field goal to force the game into extra time with Queensland eventually winning 24-20 after Cowboys teammate Matt Bowen scored an intercept try.

From his time in the QLD colours, JT has a string of achievements to show.  

• In Game One of the 2007 State of Origin series, Thurston was named 'Man of the Match' for his performance in Queensland's 25-18 victory at Suncorp Stadium
• In the deciding match of the 2008 State of Origin series in game three, Thurston set up a try for Billy Slater which would ultimately win the game and the series for Queensland 16-10 at ANZ Stadium. Thurston was also named the Wally Lewis Player of the Series.
• In Game 1 of the2010 State of Origin series, Thurston was named man-of-the-match in Queensland's 28-24 victory, giving him a total of three Origin man-of-the-match awards.
• The list goes on and on!

Matt Scott- Debut year: 2006

Now here’s some goss! After only 14 NRL games Matt made his debut for Queensland. BUT, he was dropped from the team after the 17–16 loss to the Blues and then didn’t play for the State 2009. Speaking in 2009, Scott said that at the time, he thought his removal from the team was "harsh", but that he "obviously didn't step up and deliver".

Gavin Cooper- Debut year: 2016

Just over 12 months ago, it was announced that Coopz would make his debut in the 2016 State of Origin series. His debut happened on July 13 during Game 3 and was wrapped up by scoring a try.

We're so proud of all our Cowboys Origin players and wish Coen Hess the best of luck on his debut!