North Queensland Toyota Cowboys life member Scott Bolton will depart the club at the end of the 2019 season.

Bolton farewells the Cowboys as a club legend. His 244 NRL appearances rank fourth in club history behind only long-time teammates Johnathan Thurston (294), Matt Bowen (270) and Matt Scott (268).

A proud Innisfail boy, Bolton debuted in Round 4 of the 2007 and was a first grade regular by 2009.

He was an integral member of the Cowboys inaugural premiership side in 2015 and was instrumental in the club’s fairytale run to the 2017 grand final.

Bolton became the Cowboys’ eighth life member upon playing his 200th game in Round 24 of the 2017 season.

“As a kid from Innisfail, just coming to the Cowboys in the mid-2000s was fulfilling a life-long dream. I never imagined I’d go on to play for the club for 13 seasons,” Bolton said

“I’d like to thank my family, teammates, coaches and fans as well as all the sponsors of the club for all their support throughout my career.

“I have so many great memories of playing at 1300SMILES Stadium and I can’t wait to run on to the ground one final time on Thursday night.”

Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said Bolton leaves the Cowboys as an undisputed great of the club.

“In some ways Scott Bolton’s career has been understated, but if you have a look at his resume, 244 games, life member, two grand finals, one premiership, numerous finals games – he’s had one of the premier Cowboys careers,” Parr said.

“He’s one of the most selfless players I’ve seen in my time here. He came to us straight out of high school in Innisfail and what he’s gone on to achieve has been remarkable.

“In my mind Scott Bolton is one of the great contributors, both on and off the field, in this club’s history.”