Matt Bowen

Born in Cairns, Queensland, Bowen grew up in the Cape York Aboriginal community of Hopevale.{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/bowen-hopes-to-stay-a-cowboy/story-e6frep5x-1111114456348|title=Bowen hopes to stay a Cowboy|last=Marshall|first=Matt|date=20 September 2007|work=The Courier-Mail|access-date=7 October 2011}} He attended St. Teresa's College, Abergowrie near Ingham where he started playing rugby league at the age of 12.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/cowboys-star-puts-hope-back-in-hopevale/story-e6frg7mf-1226032269002|title=Cowboys star puts hope back in Hopevale|last=Read|first=Brent|date=2 April 2011|work=The Australian|access-date=8 October 2011}} His school team won the Queensland schoolboys' competition in 1999 and he was named player of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/documents/Term3_TermBrochure_FINAL_INDIG_EMAIL.pdf|title=Our Catholic Schools: Indigenous Education|year=2010|publisher=Diocese of Townsville|access-date=8 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329040845/http://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/documents/Term3_TermBrochure_FINAL_INDIG_EMAIL.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/16/1095320902135.html|title=From cattle property to hot property|last=Walter|first=Brad|date=17 September 2004|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}} His schoolboy exploits attracted the attention of a number of NRL clubs in Sydney and Brisbane (including the Broncos, Dragons and Sharks); however, he chose to pursue his professional career with his local team, the North Queensland Cowboys. In 2000, he was part of the Cowboys' reserve grade team that made the grand final of the reserve grade competition and was selected for the Queensland under-19 team.{{cite news|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/05/24/13331_sport.html|title=Honour for league greats|date=24 May 2008|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=8 October 2011}}

Bowen made his NRL debut in Round 1 of the 2001 NRL season against Queensland rivals, the Brisbane Broncos, coming off the bench in his side's 17–18 loss at Dairy Farmers Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile-display&id=3617&name=Matthew%20Bowen&team=Cowboys|title=Player profile: Matt Bowen|publisher=North Queensland Cowboys|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320172823/http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile-display&id=3617&name=Matthew%20Bowen&team=Cowboys|archive-date=20 March 2012|url-status=dead}} He scored his first NRL try in Round 9 against the Canberra Raiders, coming off the bench again in a 26–34 loss.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2001/round-9/canberra-vs-north-queensland/summary.html|title=NRL 2001 - Round 9 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

In his rookie season, Bowen played 15 games, scoring six tries and kicking one goal. After spending time on the bench and at five-eighth, Bowen played his primary position of fullback for the final seven games of the season. At the end of the season Bowen was selected at halfback for the Junior Kangaroos, alongside future Cowboys teammates Dallas Johnson, Micheal Luck and Brent Tate.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ni03LTQtLS0tLS0xMjMtLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=Custom Match List - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/mysport.cgi?a=BLOG_VIEWLIST&msID=1348234|title=myRugbyLeague|website=SportsTG|access-date=9 October 2017}}

Despite finishing 2001 as the club's starting fullback, Bowen vacated the role at the start of the 2002 NRL season for the returning Tim Brasher, who was the Cowboys' captain at the time. Bowen played on the wing in Round 1, in a game where Brasher would once again succumb to injury, vacating the fullback spot. In Round 2, Bowen played five-eighth in the Cowboys' loss to the Broncos before taking over the fullback position permanently a week later. Bowen enjoyed a breakout season in 2002, scoring 12 tries in 24 games, including a run of five games in which he scored a try.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ni04LTQtLS0tLS0xMjMtLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0t|title=Custom Match List - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

In 2003, Bowen made his representative debut, being called up to the Queensland team for Game II of the State of Origin series.{{cite news|url=http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=1720|title=Queensland Springs 2 Surprises|date=16 June 2003|work=League Unlimited|access-date=8 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405153020/http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=1720|archive-date=5 April 2012}} He played 16 minutes as a substitute, as Queensland lost the series.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430079581.html|title=Wesser in line for Maroons call-up|date=6 July 2003|work=The Age|access-date=8 October 2011|location=Melbourne}} He was selected again for Game III of the series, coming off the bench in Queensland's 36–6 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/state-of-origin-2003/game-3/queensland-vs-new-south-wales/summary.html|title=State Of Origin 2003 Series - Game 3 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

Bowen played 20 NRL games in 2003, scoring nine tries, including his first NRL hat-trick in the Cowboys' 60–8 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 24.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2003/round-24/north-queensland-vs-south-sydney/summary.html|title=NRL 2003 - Round 24 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

The Cowboys made the finals series for the first time in 2004, with Bowen playing a key role in the side which finished one match short of their first Grand Final. In 23 games, he scored 11 tries, including one in the Cowboys first ever finals game, a 30–22 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2004/qualifying-final/bulldogs-vs-north-queensland/summary.html|title=NRL 2004 - Qualif Final - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ni0xMC00LS0tLS0tMTIzLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLQ==|title=Custom Match List - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}} Bowen once again represented Queensland in 2004, playing in all three games and scoring his first Origin try in the Maroons' Game III loss.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/state-of-origin-2004/game-3/new-south-wales-vs-queensland/summary.html|title=State Of Origin 2004 Series - Game 3 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

At the end of the season Bowen was selected in the Australian Kangaroos squad for the Tri-Nations series.{{cite news|url=http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=5795|title=Timmins omitted from Kangaroo squad|last=Williams|first=Steven|date=4 October 2004|work=League Unlimited|access-date=8 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405153028/http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=5795|archive-date=5 April 2012}} He played at fullback in a tour match against Cumbria, scoring a try, although he did not play in the Tri-Nations series, with Anthony Minichiello preferred as the Kangaroos' fullback.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3604815|title=League: Anzacs pack too much power and pace|last=Lowe|first=Robert|date=28 October 2004|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}} However, after the Tri-Nations series, he made his Test debut in a one-off match against France in Carcassonne, that Australia won 52–30.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/22/1100972299513.html|title=Australia lucky to beat France|date=22 November 2004|work=The Age|access-date=8 October 2011|location=Melbourne}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Lockyer-undaunted-as-firedup-French-take-aim-at-his-injury/2004/11/19/1100838227782.html|title=Lockyer undaunted as fired-up French take aim at his injury|last=Mascord|first=Steve|date=20 November 2004|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Bennett-on-the-offensive-over-citing/2004/11/18/1100748146045.html|title=Bennett on the offensive over citing|last=Mascord|first=Steve|date=19 November 2004|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}} On the touring squad's return journey to Australia, he scored three tries in a non-Test exhibition match against the United States in Philadelphia.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Kangaroos-survive-surprise-Tomahawk-attack/2004/12/01/1101577535305.html|title=Kangaroos survive surprise Tomahawk attack|date=1 December 2004|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}}

In 2005, halfback Johnathan Thurston joined the Cowboys, in what would prove to have a major effect on not just the club but on Bowen's career. Over the next nine seasons, Bowen and Thurston would form one of the competition's most dangerous combinations.{{cite web |url=http://rugbyleagueopinions.com/combinations-five-of-the-best/ |title=Combinations: Five of the Best - Rugby League Opinions |website=rugbyleagueopinions.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203184845/http://rugbyleagueopinions.com/combinations-five-of-the-best/ |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=dead}} On the back of Thurston and Bowen, the Cowboys made it to the 2005 NRL Grand Final, the club's first. Despite Bowen scoring the opening try, they lost to the Wests Tigers, 30–16. Bowen's 21 tries in 2005 made him the competition's top try scorer.{{cite web|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/scorers/2005_sc.html |title=2005 Point Scorers |publisher=rleague.com |access-date=8 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704183951/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/scorers/2005_sc.html |archive-date=4 July 2010 }}

Bowen was again selected for Queensland in the 2005 State of Origin series. In Game I of the series, he proved to be the game-breaker. After coming off the bench in the second half, he intercepted a pass from New South Wales half-back Brett Kimmorley and ran 40m to score in golden point extra time, thus winning the game for Queensland.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/League/Bowen-breaks-Blues-hearts/2005/05/25/1116950761299.html|title=Bowen breaks Blues' hearts|last=Mascord|first=Steve|date=26 May 2005|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=8 October 2011}} Bowen would also score tries in the second and third games of the series, although Queensland lost both matches to lose the series. He was selected in Queensland's starting line-up in the third match for the first time in his career, displacing Billy Slater.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/league/slater-dropped-for-the-decider/2005/06/27/1119724577105.html|title=Slater dropped for the decider|date=28 June 2005|work=The Age|access-date=8 October 2011|location=Melbourne|first=John|last=Salvado}}

In 2006, Bowen and the Cowboys failed to capitalise on their progress from the previous season, finishing ninth on the ladder and missing the finals series. Bowen played Game I of the 2006 State of Origin series but was dropped from Queensland's side for Game II.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-06-13/bowen-called-up-to-maroons-squad/1777054|title=Bowen called up to Maroons squad|date=13 June 2006|work=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=8 October 2011}} He scored just five tries in 24 matches for the Cowboys, one of the lowest season tallies of his career.{{cite web|url=http://stats.rleague.com/rl/scorers/2006_sc.html|title=2006 Point Scorers|publisher=rleague.com|access-date=8 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903181526/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/scorers/2006_sc.html|archive-date=3 September 2011}}

In 2007, Bowen enjoyed his most successful individual season. He regained his top try scorer's title, with 22 tries, and also made the most line breaks (32) and tackle breaks (220) in the NRL.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport-old/gallery-e6freraf-1111119901935?page=3|title=Top 10 rugby league stars|year=2007|publisher=The Courier-Mail|access-date=8 October 2011}} He returned to the Queensland squad for Game III of the State of Origin series, and the Cowboys returned to the NRL finals, finishing third on the ladder. He was voted by his peers as the Rugby League Player Association's Player of the Year, was named the Cowboys' Player of the Year for the first and only time in his career, was named Rugby League Week Player of the Year and was named Fullback of the Year at the 2007 Dally M Awards.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119793.htm?site=queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225192237/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119793.htm?site=queensland|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2014|title=Bowen voted players' player|date=15 December 2007|work=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=9 October 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s=honours |title=Honours |publisher=North Queensland Cowboys |access-date=8 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012233017/http://www.cowboys.com.au/default.aspx?s=honours |archive-date=12 October 2011 }} He also signed a new contract to remain at the Cowboys through the 2011 season, with his coach Graham Murray claiming he was the "best fullback in the game".{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys-retain-bowen/story-e6frexnr-1111114947443|title=NRL Cowboys retain Bowen|date=23 November 2007|work=The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|access-date=8 October 2011}}

Despite the accolades for his performances during the year, Bowen was controversially omitted from the Kangaroos side to face New Zealand at the end of the season, as Brett Stewart and Kurt Gidley were preferred at fullback.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/02/2048863.htm?site=tropic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225193223/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/02/2048863.htm?site=tropic|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2014|title=Cowboys' chief says Bowen must accept Kangaroos selection snub|date=2 October 2007|work=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=8 October 2011}} Kangaroos' coach Ricky Stuart argued that Bowen's small stature was a factor against his selection.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/bowen-too-small-says-stuart/story-e6frexnr-1111114560260|title=Bowen too small, says Stuart|date=3 October 2007|work=The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|access-date=8 October 2011}} Former dual-code international Wendell Sailor argued that selectors were correct to leave Bowen out of the national team, suggesting that his form in club football had not been replicated at State of Origin level.{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/28743|title=Bowen's omission shocks|date=3 October 2007|work=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=8 October 2011}}

File:Matt Bowen (22 September 2008).jpg

Bowen started the 2008 NRL season slowly, missing Rounds 4 and 5 due to a left knee injury. He returned in Round 6 against the Warriors and scored three tries.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/bowens-hat-trick-haunts-road-warriors/story-e6frg7mo-1111116110880|title=Matt Bowen returns with hat-trick for Cowboys|date=20 April 2008|work=The Australian|access-date=9 October 2011}} However, three weeks later, Bowen injured his knee again and underwent surgery that ruled him out of action for the rest of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/06/19/2279609.htm|title=Bowen going home to rest|last=Zane|first=Bojack|date=19 June 2008|work=ABC Local}} Without him, North Queensland finished 15th on the NRL ladder.

Bowen returned from his knee injury in the 2009 pre-season.{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/bowen-eases-back-in-draw/story-e6frep7f-1111118997063|title=Matt Bowen comes back after agonising wait|last=Marshall|first=Matt|date=28 February 2009|work=The Sunday Mail (Brisbane)|access-date=28 February 2013}} He scored 12 tries in 20 games before he injured his right knee in August in the same way that he had injured his left knee the previous season. Another round of surgery followed, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the beginning of the next.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys-star-matt-bowen-ruled-out-for-10-months/story-fn2mcuj6-1225765639984|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730135223/http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys-star-matt-bowen-ruled-out-for-10-months/story-fn2mcuj6-1225765639984|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 July 2012|title=North Queensland Cowboys star Matt Bowen ruled out for 10 months|last=Alston|first=Josh|date=24 August 2009|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=9 October 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/matt-bowen-spurs-north-queensland-cowboys-against-roosters/story-e6frg7mf-1225864762103|title=Matt Bowen spurs North Queensland Cowboys against he was quickly becoming the game's premier fullback.Roosters|last=Honeysett|first=Stuart|date=11 May 2010|work=The Australian|access-date=9 October 2011}}

The Cowboys endured a disastrous 2010 NRL season, finishing 15th on the ladder. Bowen missed half the season due to the knee reconstruction he had in 2009, making his NRL return in the Cowboys' Round 9 win over the Sydney Roosters.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2010/round-9/sydney-vs-north-queensland/summary.html|title=NRL 2010 - Round 9 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}} Four months later, Bowen played his 200th match for the Cowboys, in their Round 26 loss to the Roosters.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/roosters-home-against-cowboys/story-e6frfgbo-1225914262160|title=Sydney Roosters beat North Queensland Cowboys 18-8|last=Ricketts|first=Steve|date=5 September 2010|work=Herald Sun|access-date=9 October 2011}} Bowen ended the 2010 season with a career low of two tries.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ni03MzgtNC0tLS0tLTEyMy0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0=|title=Custom Match List - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}} Despite the poor season, Bowen was selected in the Prime Minister's XIII side that faced Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

The 2011 NRL season saw Bowen return to his best form, scoring 8 tries in 25 games. He reached another milestone early in the season, surpassing former teammate Paul Bowman's record for the most NRL games by a Cowboys player.{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/5383626/Cowboys-fullback-Bowen-re-signs-until-2013|title=Cowboys fullback Bowen re-signs until 2013|date=3 August 2011|work=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=9 October 2011}} The Cowboys had an improved season, finishing seventh on the ladder and returning to the finals series. At the end of the season, Bowen was once again selected for the Prime Minister's XIII side.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/hindmarsh-to-captain-pms-xiii-against-png-20110914-1k8v7.html|title=Hindmarsh to captain PM's XIII against PNG|date=14 September 2011|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=9 October 2011}} During the season, Bowen signed a new contract with the Cowboys through 2013, citing his "love" for the club and a desire to continue to be close to his extended family. He had considered competing offers to play in England.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-03/bowen-stays-loyal-to-cowboys/2823236|title=Bowen stays loyal to Cowboys|last=Bojack|first=Zane|date=3 August 2011|work=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=9 October 2011}} After the season, he was shortlisted for the Rugby League International Federation's Fullback of the Year award.{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/marshall-vying-second-golden-boot-4496808?ref=rss|title=Marshall vying for second Golden Boot|date=2 November 2011|work=TVNZ|access-date=2 November 2011}}

During the 2012 NRL season Bowen surpassed the 250 game mark in the Cowboys first home elimination final since 2007, in which they defeated the Broncos 33–16. He recorded 28 try assists in 2012, more than the team's halfback Johnathan Thurston (25), and was 18th man for Queensland in Game III of the 2012 State of Origin series. At the end of the season, Bowen came second in the Dally M Medal tally with 26 points and was a finalist for Dally M Fullback of the Year. He finished 2012 with 13 tries, his most in a season since 2007.

The 2013 NRL season would be Bowen's last with the Cowboys. On 30 August Bowen announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/bowen-to-farewell-the-nrl-10944/#TZxq0HxrHy5HDH3L.97|title=Bowen to farewell the NRL - Zero Tackle|date=30 August 2013|website=Zerotackle.com|access-date=9 October 2017}} In his final NRL season, Bowen played 19 games and scored six tries. In Round 26, Bowen played his final home game at 1300SMILES Stadium. He was chaired from the field by his teammates after his team's 50–22 victory over the Wests Tigers, in which Bowen scored two tries.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2013/round-26/north-queensland-vs-wests-tigers/summary.html|title=NRL 2013 - Round 26 - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/rugby-league-match-centre/live-cowboys-v-tigers-20130906-2tadz.html|title=Live: Cowboys v Tigers|first=Phil|last=Mitchell|access-date=9 October 2017|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald}} He played his final NRL game a week later in the Cowboys' elimination final loss to the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2013/qualifying-final/cronulla-vs-north-queensland/summary.html|title=NRL 2013 - Qualif Final - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

Bowen later said, "I was told I wasn't needed at the club at the time. You get called into the office and they say they haven't got room for you next year … I didn't know what to say …Two years later they won the comp and I would have been a part of it. It was a kick in the guts. Obviously I did so much for this club and my missus is still bitter about it today."{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024-the-mole-matt-bowen-cowboys-retirement-wigan-warriors-career/4f8e2a9f-b0e7-4b5f-a09c-9b7e5c265b5a?|title=Cowboys icon Matt Bowen drops bombshell on club over 2013 'kick in the guts' |website=Wide World of Sports|date=20 March 2024 }}

On 24 September, the Wigan Warriors announced the signing of Bowen for the 2014 season as a replacement for departing fullback Sam Tomkins.{{cite web|url=http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/wigan-sign-bowen-as-tomkins-replacement-11158/#HkrHB54ZW26XpPU4.97|title=Wigan sign Bowen as Tomkins replacement - Zero Tackle|date=24 September 2013|website=Zerotackle.com|access-date=9 October 2017}}

File:Matt Bowen 2014.jpg in 2014]]

Bowen's first match for Wigan was at home against Huddersfield in Round 1 of the 2014 Super League season, which Wigan lost 8-24.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/26041288|title=Super League: Wigan Warriors 8-24 Huddersfield Giants|date=7 February 2014|website=BBC|access-date=9 October 2017}} Two weeks later, Bowen returned to Australia and played in Wigan's 14-36 World Club Challenge loss to the Sydney Roosters. Despite a questionable start to his Wigan career, Bowen ended his first season in England with 15 tries from 24 games, including a hat-trick against the Hunslet Hawks in the Challenge Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/wigan-fans-turn-on-matt-bowen-after-a-thumping-loss-in-his-first-game-in-english-super-league/story-fniabjcr-1226821937228|title='Fatty' Bowen jeered by Wigan fans|website=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2014/game-5/wigan-vs-hunslet/summary.html |title=Challenge Cup 2014 - Rugby League Project |access-date=2016-01-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623233439/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2014/game-5/wigan-vs-hunslet/summary.html |archive-date=23 June 2015}}

On 16 July, Bowen re-signed with Wigan until the end of 2015.{{cite web |url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/bowen-re-signs-wigan/ |title=BOWEN RE-SIGNS WITH WIGAN - Rugby League Week |access-date=2016-01-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203051516/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/bowen-re-signs-wigan/ |archive-date=3 February 2016}} Wigan reached the 2014 Super League Grand Final and Bowen played at fullback in their loss to St Helens at Old Trafford.{{cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/11156623/St-Helens-14-Wigan-Warriors-6-Moment-of-madness-from-Wales-international-Ben-Flower-costs-Wigan-dear.html|title= St Helens 14 Wigan Warriors 6: Moment of madness from Wales international Ben Flower costs Wigan dear|date= 11 October 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=15 October 2014}}{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/11/st-helens-wigan-super-league-grand-final-match-report|title= St Helens win Grand Final after Wigan's Ben Flower is sent off|date= 11 October 2014 |work=The Guardian|access-date=15 October 2014}}{{cite web|url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/29559845|title= St Helens 14–6 Wigan Warriors|date= 11 October 2014 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 October 2014}}

Bowen began the 2015 Super League season as Wigan's first choice fullback. Two weeks later, Bowen faced his former club's old rivals the Brisbane Broncos for the final time, in Wigan's 12-14 World Club Series loss.

On 7 July, Wigan announced that Bowen would not be offered and new contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/9912998/matty-bowen-set-to-leave-wigan-warriors-at-the-end-of-the-season|title=Matty Bowen set to leave Wigan Warriors at the end of the season|website=Skysports.com|access-date=9 October 2017}} Bowen took over Wigan's goalkicking duties towards the end of the season, kicking 31 goals and scoring 9 tries in his final season.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NDItLS0tLS0tLTEyMy0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0=|title=Custom Match List - Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=9 October 2017}}

Bowen's final match was the 2015 Super League Grand Final, in which he scored a try and kicked four goals in Wigan's 20–22 loss to the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford, meaning that he ended his career with a third Grand Final defeat.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/10/leeds-wigan-super-league-grand-final-match-report|title=Leeds pip Wigan to seal treble after brilliant, breathless Grand Final|work=The Guardian|date=10 October 2015|access-date=8 November 2019}}

Bowen participated in the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines Tournament, returning for the North Queensland Cowboys as a final farewell to the club and his playing career.

Bowen would later go on to sign with the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup, debuting for the club in Round 12. He would receive man of the match honours in the Blackhawks 32–12 victory over the Norths Devils in Round 13, scoring a try and setting up another two.

Dally M Fullback of the Year: 2007

Rugby League Week Player of the Year: 2007

North Queensland Cowboys Player of the Year: 2007

North Queensland Cowboys Players' player of the Year: 2007

RLPA Player of the Year 2007

North Queensland Cowboys Life Member

North Queensland Cowboys 10th Anniversary team

North Queensland Cowboys 20th Anniversary team

2005 NRL Grand Final: North Queensland Cowboys – Runners-up

2014 Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors - Runners-up

2015 Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors - Runners-up

: Statistics are correct to the end of the 2013 season

: Statistics are correct to the end of the 2015 season

Following his retirement, Bowen returned to Australia to take up a role as a Community Engagement Officer for his former club, the North Queensland Cowboys.{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2016/01/21/bowen_in_nrl_communi.html|title=Bowen in NRL community role|website=Cowboys.com.au|date=20 January 2016 |access-date=9 October 2017}} On 21 January, Bowen was selected as one of the NRL's Community Ambassadors for 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/nrl-announces-2016-ambassadors/tabid/10874/newsid/91401/default.aspx|title=NRL announces 2016 Ambassadors|website=Nrl.com|date=20 January 2016 |access-date=9 October 2017}} On 29 January, the Cowboys announced that Bowen would coming out of retirement to make a one-off return for the club at the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines.{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2016/01/29/first_cowboy_for_nin.html|title=First Cowboy for Nines revealed...|website=Cowboys.com.au|date=29 January 2016 |access-date=9 October 2017}}

Bowen was born in Cairns to Richard and Lillian Bowen and has four brothers (Wendell, Esmond, Dwayne and Stanton) and a sister (Dellece).{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/16/1095320902135.html|title=From cattle property to hot property - League|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 September 2004 |access-date=9 October 2017}} Bowen's cousin, Brenton Bowen, played with him at the Cowboys from 2003 to 2007, before he joined the Gold Coast Titans in 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2007/11/02/4427_gold-coast-news.html|title=New Titan recruit Bowen out of Matt's shadow|date=2 November 2007|work=goldcoast.com.au|access-date=9 October 2011}} Bowen's nephew, Javid Bowen, is currently a member of the Cowboys' NRL squad.{{cite web|url=http://www.cowboys.com.au/team/profiles/javid-bowen.html|title=Javid Bowen|website=Cowboys.com.au|access-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010010648/http://www.cowboys.com.au/team/profiles/javid-bowen.html|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}} Another of Bowen's nephews, Rex Liddy, played for Australian Football League club, the Gold Coast Suns in 2011.{{cite web|last=Piva |first=Andrew |title=Here comes the Suns |url=http://www.aflcapeyork.com.au/no%20boundarys.htm |work=No Boundaries |publisher=AFL Cape York |access-date=30 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320132830/http://www.aflcapeyork.com.au/no%20boundarys.htm |archive-date=20 March 2012 }}

Bowen is married to Rudie Doyle, sister of former teammate John Doyle.{{cite web|url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/mango-thrives-in-england/story-fnjfzs4b-1226912583056|title=Mango thrives in England|website=Townsvillebulletin.com.au|access-date=9 October 2017}} The couple have two daughters, Diaz and Tatum, who was born the night before Bowen played in the 2015 Super League Grand Final, and one son, Matthew Jr.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/news/article/480/10024987/grand-final-leeds-22-20-wigan-no-regrets-for-matty-bowen|title=News - Sporting Life|website=Sportinglife.com|access-date=9 October 2017}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.nrlcommunity.com.au/team/profiles/matt_bowen.html NRL Community profile]

{{North Queensland Cowboys}}

{{North Queensland Team of the Century}}

{{National Rugby League top try scorers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bowen, Matt}}

Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Australia national rugby league team players

Category:Australian rugby league players

Category:Indigenous All Stars players

Category:21st-century Indigenous Australian people

Category:Junior Kangaroos players

Category:North Queensland Cowboys players

Category:People from Far North Queensland

Category:Prime Minister's XIII players

Category:Queensland Rugby League State of Origin players

Category:Rugby league fullbacks

Category:Rugby league players from Cairns

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen