Following a frustrating 2016 where he spent most of the year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, Rockhampton junior Sam Hoare was looking forward to strong 2017 season after playing just 14 NRL games over the previous three seasons.

Things started strongly for the 26-year-old, playing two NRL games early in the piece as the Cowboys’ depth in the forwards was hit through injury.

After solid showings in those matches, Hoare suffered a badly broken hand while playing for Cowboys feeder team the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.

Hoare would have to wait until round 22 against the Storm to get another crack at NRL footy, and would play that game plus the following round against the Panthers.

2017 STATS:

Played: 4

Average run metres: 64

Average tackles: 15

Tackle breaks: 3

Off the field: His partner is two-time Women’s National Basketball League Championship-winning Townsville Fire player Micaela Cocks.