INSPIRING OUR HOUSE

ANNOUNCING OUR PLAYER AMBASSADORS

NRL Cowboys House students have two new inspirations to build the life of their dreams, with North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Reuben Cotter and Tahlulah Tillett announced as 2023 House ambassadors.

The dynamic duo, both with Torres Strait Island heritage, will motivate the next generation of young Indigenous leaders at the House in their ambassadorial roles.

Reuben and Tilly were presented with their 2023 NRL Cowboys House polo shirt, featuring Renee Wilson's 'Mundarlbi' design, and warmly welcomed by students at a special meet and greet.

As player ambassadors, the Indigenous All Stars representatives will visit NRL Cowboys House for key events, milestones and casual visits amongst their training and playing commitments.

The House is a unique ‘home away from home’ for 104 Indigenous students from remote Queensland communities as they pursue their secondary education at partner schools in Townsville.

Managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, NRL Cowboys House is a joint initiative between the National Rugby League, North Queensland Cowboys, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS – REUBEN COTTER

With family ties to the Torres Strait Islands, Darnley and Boigu man Reuben Cotter is still learning about his ancestry and hopes to share his life experiences with students at NRL Cowboys House.

Cotter grew up in Koumala, about an hour south of Mackay, and understands the challenges of living in a small community.

The 24-year old has experienced a rapid rise through rugby league, and at a young age has already represented his heritage in the Indigenous All Stars, and made one appearance for Queensland in State of Origin.

Cotter hopes to inspire the next generation of young people whether in sport or education, and places a high importance on connection to culture.

"I'm still finding out a lot (about my culture) to this day, and the connection there is strong in my family - but over time, it's got lost over the generations and I've still not been up to the Torres Straits, and it's something I really want to do."

"So I can get to have a good chat to some of these guys and be a role model, and show them that anything is really possible if you stick at it.

"If you want to achieve something and you've got a dream, go for it," he said.

SHARING THE JOURNEY – TAHLULAH TILLETT

A proud Torres Strait Islander, Tahlulah Tillett grew up mostly in Cairns with her family hailing from St Paul Village on Moa Island.

Having been brought up to embrace her culture, the Cowboys NRLW signing has also represented the Indigenous All Stars as one of two Torres Strait Island women.

Prior to signing her professional rugby league contract, the 24-year-old has already been working with the Cowboys as a community ambassador, motivating and inspiring North Queensland students every day.

Tahlulah is a familiar face to many of the girls at the House, having joined them on stage for cultural dance at the 2022 NAIDOC Day celebrations.

"I've always been about giving back to the next generation, and being a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, I really enjoy giving back to the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids," she said.

"I'm just really looking forward to sharing bits about my journey with the kids but also hearing about theirs and learning a bit of stuff off them as well.

"I think no matter what goal or dreams that these students have in life, I think one common thing is that you've got to work very hard to be able to achieve your dreams - that's something that I'll be able to share with those kids."

"JUST TWO REALLY GOOD PEOPLE"

With both Reuben and Tahlulah having already spent time around NRL Cowboys House, General Manager Rochelle Jones believes they will be genuine and humble role models.

"Something we talk about to the young people who board here is about being a good person, a genuine person that really looks out for others," she said.

"They're two amazing role models for these young people to be able to sit down, have dinner with, go out in the afternoon, talk about their successes, and maybe they can inspire the young people just to be a really good person.

"For both of those players talking to the young people about where their families have come from and what's happening on the islands now, and the changes that have happened since they've been home, I think they'll learn a lot and then hopefully I think just make things stronger and stronger for the kids at the House.

"For those guys to be gifted with those House shirts today, I know they'll be proud ambassadors wearing that."