Jake Granville is a "Cowboy through and through".
Those are the words echoed by North Queensland's players ahead of the 34-year-old's milestone 200th NRL game on Saturday.
Granville was a late bloomer in rugby league terms, only signing for Brisbane a decade ago following back-to-back Queensland Cup victories for Wynum Manly.
He made his NRL debut with the Broncos and played 10 games before moving to the Cowboys in 2015, going on to win a premiership, register a try-assist in the grand final and throw the most important pass in Cowboys history to set up Johnathan Thurston for his game-winning drop goal in that showpiece match.
But it's Granville's easy-going demeanour that has every Cowboys player pumped for Saturday's milestone game against Parramatta.
"He's a Cowboy through and through," forward Coen Hess says.
"It show every time he runs out on the field, whether he starts or if he's off the bench, he gets a standing ovation every time he takes the field.
"The crowd love him. We love him. The club loves him. He's just a guy that you need in every team.
"Sometimes it's like he's in slow motion. He just talks real slow. He's got no worry in the world and time for everyone.
"He'd give you the shirt off his own back. There's probably not enough good words you can say about the bloke."
Granville has been the Cowboys' 'Mr Fix-it' in recent years as a utility who has found himself all over the paddock.
In 2023 alone, Granville has started at prop, returned to his regular hooker role, played on an edge and in the back row. In 2022 he chalked up a start at fullback and centre.
"They've all been pretty good but I dont think I've played on the wing yet," Granville quipped on Tuesday.
Where he finds himself for Saturday's clash with the Eels remains to be seen, but what is a certainty is he will be roared on by a packed Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with 22,000 tickets sold and scores of family members making the trek from Central Queensland.
Granville took time on Tuesday to reflect on his journey, noting how late it was when he realised rugby league could be a full-time gig.
"I didn't really look into footy as a job until it started becoming a reality when I was 24," he said.
"I'm just grateful it's turned out that way.
"(North Queensland) has been such a good place for me, I've enjoyed my time so far and it's been a massive part of my life and for my family.
"(I'm) very grateful and privileged to be part of such a good club."
