North Queensland forward Sam McIntyre lost his beloved grandfather early this year but knows he would be "very proud" of his best season yet in the NRL.
The 26-year-old has played all 25 games this season, and whether starting or coming off the bench has been dynamic in defence and attack.
McIntyre will line up off the bench on Friday night in the elimination semi-final against the Sharks after he was one of the best on the park in the 28-16 knockout final win over Newcastle, running for 151m and making 32 tackles in a blockbusting display.
Signed until the end of 2026, McIntyre had a tough start to the year when hgrandfather Bruce McIntyre died.
"We were best mates," McIntyre told AAP.
"He was everything to me and helped me get into footy. He was the one I turned to and talked to twice a week … all the time. It was really tough losing him.
"He used to come to every game in Port Macquarie and would travel down to Newcastle when I played there in the juniors. It got a bit harder when I was on the Gold Coast for him, and then when I came up here.
"He was one of those tough old players. His nickname was 'Bruiser' and no one had ever seen or heard him cry. Then when I told him I was making my debut for the Tigers in 2020 he was full of tears on the phone to me."
McIntyre debuted at Wests Tigers in 2020, and was then at the Titans until getting a release to join the Cowboys in 2023.
The move has seen him thrive. His grandad gave the tick of approval when he found out about McIntyre's club switch.
"He was happy. He was a little bit upset about how things went at the Titans and thought coming up here was a great opportunity," McIntyre said.
"He obviously didn't get to see how things went up here this year, but I know he would be very proud."
McIntyre got to visit his grandad before he passed away, and in tough times coach Todd Payten was there for him.
"I think that is why we get along really well. He (Payten) has been great for me and my family and supported me with some stuff I had going on with the passing of my grandfather early in the year," McIntyre said. "At training Todd was there to listen to me and talk to me. He really helped me out there."
Payten, who won the 2005 grand final at the Tigers as a skilful and tough prop, has also got the best out of McIntyre on the field. "I came here looking for an opportunity and he knew what I brought to the table in terms of effort areas and giving my best each week, but he didn't give me any guarantees,:" McIntyre said.
"He just told me to work hard and earn my spot. That's all I needed to hear. "Todd was a pretty skilful player too and I like to use the ball and do all the effort areas and work hard. We align there as well.
"Coming to the Cowboys is by far the best thing I have ever done for my career."
