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GRAHAM MURRAY FATHER OF COWBOYS’ CULTURE
Dean Ritchie, The Daily Telegraph
THE wife of late North Queensland coach Graham Murray has opened up on how her husband helped create a winning and successful culture at the Cowboys.
Amanda Murray has paid an emotional tribute to Graham as North Queensland prepared for Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.
Murray, who played for South Sydney and Parramatta, has been credited with awakening the Cowboys juggernaut after the club’s underwhelming first seven years.
He took North Queensland to their first grand final in 2005, which provided the catalyst for the club’s ongoing success.
Murray, who passed away in 2013, coached North Queensland between 2002 and 2008.
The late Graham Murray during his time in Townsville in 2008. Picture: Cameron Laird
Amanda Murray said the Cowboys needed her husband as much as he needed the club.
“When Graham was approached to coach the Cowboys, it was like a lifeline for him,” Murray said. “And, as it turned out, he was a lifeline for the Cowboys.
“He was passionate about rugby league and it didn’t take him long to realise that North Queensland shared his passion.
“Graham was dedicated in his ambition to put the Cowboys on the map and give the fans a team worthy of following.
“I remember early in the piece we were back at the club after a loss, people were laughing and enjoying themselves, congratulating Graham on a great game.
“He had steam coming from his ears. They were happy that they only lost by a few points; they were at least competitive. Graham knew then that the attitude of staff, players and fans had to change and his challenge was to find a way to do it.”
And find a way he did.
Having collected two wooden spoons and not finished better than 10th before Murray arrived, the Cowboys morphed into a successful franchise.
They made the finals in his second full season, and a grand final a year later.
The late Graham Murray and Johnathan Thurston (L).
“They were happy times and every win was a reason to celebrate,” Murray said.
“The community lifted as the Cowboys starting playing wonderful attacking football and home games drew capacity crowds.
“Graham had inherited a wonderful staff who supported him and worked tirelessly beside him to leave the losing attitude behind and bring the team to their first final series.
“He enjoyed the company of his staff and friendships grew. After games, it became a ritual to have a drink in the sheds whilst waiting for the crowd and traffic to disperse.
“Many stories and laughs were shared and when there was a loss the burden was shouldered by all equally.
“Graham, like any rugby league person, loved being part of a team, especially one that had the same values and goals.
“Being in Townsville when the Cowboys make the finals is an experience hard to explain.
“The town breathes Cowboys colours. When the team wins, the community wins.
“It has such a feeling of mutual joy, you get swept along on a magical ride.
“Graham was very proud to be involved in helping to turn the club around. He was hurt when it all came to an end for him as coach but prided himself on the fact that friendships endured and he left the club in a better state than it was when he first arrived.”
Murray recalled the influence her husband had over Paul Green.
“Graham had coached Paul Green and worked with him at Wynnum Manly Seagulls when they won a premiership in 2011,” she said.
“I remember Paul coming to visit Graham, asking about the Cowboys job and Graham recommending the position highly.
“It still tugs my heart strings when I see them run out on game day.”
