Luke O'Donnell stays with
Cowboys

The North Queensland Cowboys today assured itself some forward muscle until 2007 with aggressive second-rower Luke O'Donnell agreeing to extend his contract for another two seasons.

O'Donnell was rewarded with the extension after playing a major part in the club's breakthrough season in 2004.

The 24-year-old provided the backbone of the Cowboys' dream run that ended at the hands of a Roosters outfit just one game shy of the grand final.

His form throughout the club's trek deep into the finals transformed him into a genuine contender for Australia's tri-series campaign in Britain.

O'Donnell said he was confident the club - which broke through for its maiden finals appearance last year - could go one step better.

"I have enjoyed my time with the Cowboys making the finals for the first time in 2004, and I look forward to going even further in 2005," he said.

O'Donnell joined the Townsville-based club at the end of 2003 following five under-achieving seasons with the Wests Tigers.

He gained instant notoriety for an 11-week suspension incurred during his final year with the Tigers when he broke the jaw of an opponent in an off-the-ball incident.

Cowboys coach Graham Murray said it was an important step for the club to re-sign O'Donnell who managed to play 20 game last year.

"Luke is a tough uncompromising kind of forward that you need in the present day game that is extremely fit and plays not only a lot of minutes but a lot of games during this season," he said.