Robbie Fowler hits the pitch in Townsville

Today was Robbie Fowler's first public training session with his new team, the North Queensland Fury FC. Unfortunately I was away on an assignment and couldn't make it. A colleague of mine, Ian Hitchcock who shoots for Getty Images was there and put together a nice set of pics that you can check out at this link

Touring the north with the GG

Spent the day yesterday with the Governer General flitting around north Queensland in a Blackhawk for Australia's NewsLtd sunday papers. Good fun but damn it was hot and humid! [click the pic to view fullsize]

Justin Smith - North Queensland Cowboys Press Conference

Justin Smith speaks to the press prior to the Cowboys pre-season home game against the Canberra Raiders - Video: Cameron Laird

Luke O'Donnell - ready to play!

Luke was back in the gym recently showing that he has fully recovered from a sickening 2007 injury that saw him miss much of the season. He looks to be back fitter than ever!

See my pics of Luke over his Cowboys years at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=luke+o%27donnell&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Matt Bowen to stay a Cowboy until end of 2011 season

What great news for the Cowboys! Matt Bowen signature on a new three year contract seeing him through until the end of the 2011 NRL season. Now we have the most exciting fullback in the game joining the best halfback in the game, what a great combination for the next couple of years at least!

See all my pics of Matt over the years at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=matt+bowen&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Sexiest Man In League shoot

Just finished a commission for Adidas/Sunday Telegraph for the "Sexiest Man In League" competition. Wouldn't have minded swapping places with JT as he looped around Cleveland Bay in a beautiful Tiger Moth (from http://www.flyscenic.com.au/). Anyway, you can see a selection of my pics here (http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/113/192872513#P-8-15) or on the official site at http://www.sexiestmaninleague.com.au/week5_1.php

Cowboys prepare to battle to Bulldogs

Whilst Cowboys stars Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen were offered the opportunity to sit out tomorrow nights dead-rubber clash with the Bulldogs they refused, wanting to take part in Paul Bowman's 200th game with the Cowboys. "Bear" has been with the Cowboys since their inception in 1995 and he is sure to get a mighty roar when he steps onto the paddock tomorrow night.

Jason Smith to hang up his boots

North Queensland Cowboys five-eighth Jason Smith annouced today that he will retire at the end of the 2007 season. Smith has played 18 seasons in the top grade and in my opinion plays well below his age. One of the true 'thinkers' of the game, he will be missed. Congratulations on a super career Jason! I'm sure you'll get a more time for some of this below!

See my Jason Smith pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=jason+smith&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Two try Ty

After jumping out to an 18-0 lead against the Sharks, that post origin collapse that seems to happen every season happened again. The Sharks quickly closed in and with only 2 minutes left in the clash Cronulla were up by four. I'm not sure what I saw in that last play but by the look in the eyes of the backline players I KNEW something was on. Sure enough Ty Williams scored right under the posts to give the Cowboys a stunning 2 point win 26-24. Awesome!

See my pics of the game at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#158647289

Nic and Hugh together on horseback.....at last!

Today just seemed to drag on and on and on. After a few too many ales celebrating Queensland's win in the State of Origin I wasn't really in the mood for a long day. However it was a bit of a treat to win a 'battle of the wits' with publicists and security for long enough to come up with some quality images! Action centred around Carneys Cattle Co. with Bryan Brown yelling from the balcony and Hugh and Nicole doing their best imitations of seasoned horse riders. They sure looked the part and didn't fail to impress with their riding talents!
From what I hear shooting is falling behind schedule however I'm sure they will make that up over the coming weeks.
And while I have the chance, if you are ever in Bowen MAKE SURE you stop in at Jochheim's Bakery for a pie or a coffee. Jayne & Paddy run what must easily be the busiest pie shop in Australia and it is a Bowen landmark. And thanks to Erin for my 17 latte's in 4 days! (A free Hunky Hugh pie for that plug wouldn't go astray!)

See my "Australia" gallery at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Nicole, Hugh & the gang meet the locals

Bowen locals had the opportunity to meet the stars during a "Traditional Welcome" ceremony on the set of "Australia". I was given the opportunity of looking around the set and seeing the incredible detail that has gone into the creation. Chinese gardens, outdoor picture theatres, a traditional brothel, cattle yards and pearl trading businesses are only part of a mass of streets that make up the set. The centrepiece of the movie is The Territory Hotel, which was the scene of yesterday's ceremony and will be the opening scene in the movie - Nicole Kidman's character arrives off a ship and walks up the jetty into the township just as Hugh Jackman's character is punched through the window of The Territory Hotel. Great introduction to Australia!

See some of my pics of the movie so far at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

On the set of "Australia" the movie

Was given a nice treat today, a special look at the set of the new Baz Luhrmann movie "Australia" currently in production in Bowen, Australia. Had the opportunity to photograph Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in costume and get a general overview of what is a stunning set creation. Can't wait to see the final product!! Had to take the opportunity to have a pic with Bowen's No.1 celebrity and all-round nice guy, mayor Mike Brunker.

See the story at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21726759-2,00.html

Shocking start for a debutant!

What a terrible way to kick off your debut period with the Cowboys. Unlucky Ben Farrar suffered a Jones fracture of the right foot (injury to the fifth metatarsel) at training on Friday. After playing a super debut game against top-of-the-table Manly, he is now out for approximately six weeks. Best of luck with the recovery Ben!!

See my pics of Ben at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=ben+farrar&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Cowboys topple the league leaders

An abolutely stunning performance by fullback Matt Bowen saw the Cowboys knock over league leaders Manly 30-26 at Dairy Farmers Stadium tonight. Matt scored two tries and foiled a few Manly attempts in a man-of-the-match performance. Debutants Ben Farrar and Scott Minto put in solid performances which should see them hold their positions for their away clash with the Titans Monday week. Well done boys!

See my pics from the game at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/4/147206723#147547659

Minto to debut Saturday night

Scott Minto will debut Saturday night against the Sea-Eagles after playing a patient waiting game with the Guns. The lanky centre has been in excellent form over the early part of the season and I'm hoping it will continue for this genuinely nice guy of the game.

See pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#147206723

Farrar ready for first grade debut

Exciting centre Ben Farrar will make his first grade debut on Saturday night against league leaders Manly following a hamstring injury to Ashley Graham. Scott Minto and Rob Jensen have also been included in the new look line up. Let's hope for a better show than the Monday night drubbing by the Rabbitohs!

See my pics of Farrar at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#146924553

HMAS Townsville comes home

It was a nice sight to see HMAS Townsville steam into port for the last time. It is to be decommissioned, hoisted out of the water and placed on public display next to the Maritime Museum on Palmer St, South Townsville. What a super attraction for years to come!

See my pics of HMAS Townsville at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2771953

The plot thickens...

The catamaran at the centre of a major search off the North Queensland coast was towed into Townsville port overnight and was searched by forensic police officers during the day today. Still no sign of the missing three men from Perth who were sailing their newly purchased yacht from Airlie Beach to Perth counter-clockwise.

See todays pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2737238#145461536

Towering Tronc signs 'til 09

Today the NQ Toyota Cowboys announced that front rower Shane Tronc had extended his agreement with the club until the end of season 2009.
The rampaging 25 year old commenced his time at the club at the start of season 2004 and has steadily put his mark on the National Rugby League competition, providing good go forward mixed with quality offloads.
Toyota Cowboys CEO Peter Parr is pleased to have retained the props services, “Shane has been a great contributor to the club over the last few years. There is no doubt that his best football is in front of him and we are delighted that he has extended his contract with us.” Peter Parr said.
With 71 first grade appearances for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in his career Tronc is now one of the seniors in the playing ranks, representative player of the future and will feature heavily in the further success of the Cowboys.

See my pics relating to this announcement at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#144660223

O'Donnell out for the season

Luke O'Donnell has just been ruled out for the entire 2007 NRL season after having his hamstring muscle torn from his pelvis on Saturday night. It occurred during this 'wishbone' tackle which I witnessed and photographed first-hand. I saw it happening in a 'pseudo' slow-motion and I knew instantly that it was VERY bad. To be honest I was truly surprised that Tigers forward Bronson Harrison wasn't placed on report at the time. The Cowboys, NSW Blues and Kangaroos teams will miss Luke immensely. This back page of The Courier-Mail (with my 2006 photo of Luke) describes his opinion of the tackle.

See my pics of the aftermath of the tackle at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#142592609