Fowler signing good for NQ, say Cowboys - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Fowler signing good for NQ, say Cowboys

By Laine Clark 05/02/2009 03:47:15 PM Comments (0)

The threat Robbie Fowler's A-League signing poses to rugby league's dominance of north Queensland was perhaps best summed up by a wag's message on a fan forum website.

"We now officially can call ourselves God's Country," it read.

Certainly A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury haven't wasted time talking up their impact on the league-mad region after signing the legendary striker still called "God" by Liverpool fans.

Even Townsville-based NRL club the North Queensland Cowboys sounded impressed by the marquee signing - but not concerned.

"I see the A-League as good for the community," Cowboys boss Peter Parr told AAP.

"I don't see them (Fury) as a great threat (to rugby league's popularity) in that they play a majority of their games in a different season to us but obviously it makes it more competitive when it comes to sponsorship and the like.

"But we have no doubt we can co-exist."

However, Fury CEO Dean Hassall believed Fowler's signing would give the Cowboys a run for their money - literally.

Hassall said Fowler's presence had already "opened doors" with sponsors in the region, across Australia and beyond.

"Players of the calibre of Robbie really is a catalyst for us moving forward," he said.

"He does open up some doors for us, there's no question there.

"We've already been talking to some companies who have a history with Robbie and it certainly helps open those doors further."

But Parr stressed that the Cowboys also had their own star power.

"I'd suggest Robbie Fowler has created a lot of interest in the town - that's a big positive for them when it comes to sponsorship," Parr said.

"Our sponsorship has not been unduly affected at the moment.

"We have a couple of our own superstars in our team.

"I'd suggest that given our track record and the stars that we have, I can't see sponsors jumping ship on us because the Fury have signed Robbie Fowler.

"But his presence will obviously give them an enormous boost and give the community and the profile of Townsville an enormous boost.

"I can't see any negatives in Robbie Fowler coming to Townsville to play for the Fury."

Clearly Hassell believed Fowler's Fury would give league's undisputed No.1 ranking a fair shake after they debut later this year.

"We all know what he (Fowler) has delivered in the game and he's the type of player who will bring people to watch games and embrace the north Queensland region, really get people behind the club," he said.

"At the end of the day we embrace the whole north Queensland region and we are very confident the community will get behind us and support the club."

Fury coach Ian Ferguson added: "He will put bums on seats.

"He will attract all array of different cultures to the games, and a lot of ex-Pommies, they will all come and watch this guy - that's how big he is."

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