North Queensland veteran winger Kyle Feldt is chasing a new deal as well as club legend Matt Bowen's all-time Cowboys try-scoring record.
It is a matter of when, not if, the 32-year-old reaches Bowen's mark of 130. After scoring one try and having another disallowed in the 43-18 win over the Dolphins on Sunday, Feldt has 129 career tries for the club.
He will forever be remembered as the man who scored in the 80th minute of the 2015 grand final to take the decider against Brisbane into golden point, where the Cowboys won 17-16.
Feldt is also off-contract at the end of this season and wants to stay on. A new deal won't be settled before he reaches, or passes, Bowen's record. That could happen as soon as the Cowboys' match against Newcastle in Townsville on Saturday.
"I hadn't really been thinking about (Bowen's record) too much until today," Feldt said after the win over the Dolphins.
"It is always something playing in the back of my mind and unfortunately I am two tries short still. It will be a good accolade to have but I am still chasing it."
Bowen was still at the club when Feldt was a rookie in 2013.
"I am pretty sure he gave me my first or second try when we played three games together," Feldt said.
"He taught me a lot then and in the years prior when I was in the under 20s. I was very lucky to play one season with him as well.
"He taught me about kick-returns, positioning and how they kick on last plays. Also about being able to judge where a ball is going to land ... and to always take the first carry and never give it to your fullback. Just fundamental footy stuff."
Townsville-born Feldt said he still had the desire to continue his Cowboys career beyond 2024.
"I think my drive is a little bit more now," he said.
"I have a kid and another one on the way. I just want to go out there and make my wife and kids proud. Not only them, but myself as well. I think today was a great example that I still have a lot more in the tank."
When, or if, that deal gets done is another matter.
"It is round one. Who knows? We will see how it goes," he said.
"I am just here to play week-by-week and cement my spot in the team."
Feldt was in a battle with fellow winger Semi Valemei in the pre-season, with coach Todd Payten noting who out-pointed the other in team drills. Feldt edged ahead and earned his starting spot ahead of the 25-year-old.
The Cowboys missed the top eight last season after hosting the preliminary final in 2002.
There is a vibe around the club that appeals to Feldt.
"I think it is just the mateship," he said.
"We have had a full 14 or 15 weeks of pre-season together. Everyone has really knitted tight.
"We showed (against the Dolphins) that we still have a little way to go with our defence but everyone is playing for each other."
