Proserpine Cowboy Paul Bowman talks Whitsunday connections at Cowboys' Ball

 Cowboys legend Paul Bowman believes the club is back on track to become a serious premiership force in the NRL competition.

 One of Proserpine’s favourite sons, Bowman talked up the Cowboys’ future after presenting the Paul Bowman Medal to winger Ashley Graham at Jupiters Casino in Townsville last Friday night.

 "Our under-20s just got beaten in the grand final, our first-grade side made it back into the finals and we have some very exciting talent coming through," said Bowman, who was part of the ‘Whitsunday Connection’ at the Cowboys’ 17th annual presentation ball.

 "Yes, it was a disappointing end to the year for our first-grade side but I’m sure we’ll come back a lot stronger in 2012. The signs are positive not only for next year but for the years to come."

 As well as walking away with the coveted Paul Bowman Medal, Cairns product Graham picked up a new Toyota car, with Whitsunday businessman Robert Filby on hand for the presentation.

 Bowman said Graham, 27, who beat superstar Johnathan Thurston for the club’s top playing award, richly deserved his honour.

 "Ash had a very consistent season. It was the coaching staff that voted on a 3-2-1 basis all year and in the end, he came out on top. He might have been surprised with the result but I can honestly say he really deserved it. I’m very pleased for him actually," he said.

 On the night, Cowboys CEO Peter Jordain paid tribute to former Cannonvale schoolboy Sam Foster, a Toyota Cup player whose season was wrecked by injury but the 18-year-old is expected to be back in action early next year with the club’s under-20 side.

 Also in attendance was Proserpine-born Cowboys favourite and now club staffer Peter Jones and Guardian columnist and broadcaster Jason Costigan, who calls the Cowboys’ games on radio station Sea FM.

Bullarama raises money for Proserpine Cowboy Sam Faust

 The Whitsunday community came out in force with over 2,000 people attending Saturday’s Bullarama to raise money for the family of Proserpine’s own cowboy Sam Faust.

 At the time of going to press organisers were still tallying the figures but Manager of the Reef Gateway Hotel Craig Bradley said an estimated $45,000 was raised.

 “It’s been well supported by the community and shows how much spirit is there,” he said.

 Mr Bradley and the other organisers said they wanted to thank the community for getting behind the event.

 “It was a big effort,” he said.

 Sam’s wife Kya addressed the crowd personally at the end of the action-packed night, consisting of bull riders, calf scruffing, whip cracking and the auctioning of NRL memorabilia to raise extra funds.

 “Sam would be very proud,” she said.

 League legends Shane Webcke and Kevin Campion took centre stage for much of Saturday's action in the arena.

 The pair are probably best known for their explosive scrum in an NRL game at Auckland’s Mt Smart stadium on August 18, 2002. Former Bronco Kevin Campion was playing for the Warriors, who upstaged the Broncos 18-4.

 Ex-television commentator Jason Costigan who called that particular game said once on opposing teams, “their mateship went out the window”.

 “It’s been a talking point for years and one that’s now part of trans-Tasman Rugby League folklore. Webcke needed medical assistance after that flare-up,” Mr Costigan said.

 36-year-old Shane Webcke from the Darling Downs, remembered the incident well.

 “Campo’s been dining out on that for 100 years,” he said.

 Webcke and Campo were once again the best of mates on Saturday night reigniting their work as former Broncos and Qld State of Origin teammates in a calf scruffing competition for the crowds.

 Webcke actually wanted to ride a bull, “Only because it’s for a good cause, otherwise I wouldn’t contemplate it, because I’ve been there before,” he said.

 Bullarama organiser Craig Bradley said Webcke and Campion were “wonderful” in entertaining the crowds.

 “They went above and beyond what we expected,” he said.

 President of the Proserpine Rodeo Committee Larry Ferraris described the event as a “big success”.

 In all there were nine open riders, 13 novice and three junior bulls. Two of the riders were locals from Midge Point.

 In life after State of Origin and NRL, Kevin Campion now works in Real Estate and property development on the Tweed Coast and Shane Webcke has carved out a successful post-footy career with Channel 7 and will no doubt be reporting from Suncorp stadium in the Origin decider tonight.

Proserpine pays tribute to Sam Faust

 Sam Faust will be remembered as an easy going young bloke blessed with good looks, a cheeky grin and a heart of gold.

 The 26-year-old football star who passed away after a four-year battle with leukaemia was farewelled on Monday by a crowd of almost 800 mourners who packed the Proserpine Entertainment Centre spilling out on to the lawns outside.

 Amid tears of sadness, mates told heartwarming stories about the Cowboys' Rookie Player of the Year which offered a ray of hope to family and friends left behind.

 Sam’s father-in-law Terry Duckworth read the eulogy, touching on Sam’s courageous attitude in his fight for survival, which drew tears from the crowd

 "As a parent you cannot pick the man your daughter will marry. Sam ticked all the boxes – he played rugby league, he loved a cold beer on a hot day, he enjoyed fishing and had great manners. But most of all he loved and adored Kya. I don’t have a son, but if I did, I wouldn’t change a thing," Mr Duckworth said.

 Sam’s wife Kya, and mates Kieran Price, Grant Bell and Luke Harlen all read from their hearts before Father Busuttin offered communion and prayers.

 "To the family and those closest to Sam, I can only offer you sympathy. But God offers you hope. Sam’s work on earth is done. He has run his race, touching so many people the way he has. He can now enjoy his reward," Fr Busuttin said.

 Cowboys' players including captain Johnathan Thurston formed a guard of honour outside the centre where Sam's coffin was carried through on its way to his final resting place.

 But amid the sorrow and anguish, the sun’s rays beamed down on Sam’s three little girls, echoing the words of his mates - that his legacy will live on in the shining example that is his young family. The cortege departed for the Proserpine Lawn Cemetery before mourners attended the wake at the Reef Gateway Hotel.