Bowen to have surgery

North Queensland are hoping fullback Matt Bowen will be availble for the opening rounds of the 2010 season after major knee surgery.

Test results have showed that Bowen, 28, requires the same procedure on his right knee that he underwent on his left knee last year.

It is hoped that Bowen will be available in either March of April next year.

“We see it as short term pain for a long term gain,” Cowboys Chief Executive Peter Parr told AAP.

“While we would love to have him at the start of the year we are excited about getting him back to his old self.

“We are looking forward to having him pain free in his knees for the first time in a considerable while.

“We are excited about having him back brand new a couple of months into next season.”