Cowhan has signed with the Rockhampton-based Central Queensland Capras for the 2018 season after three superb years on the Border.

It was a difficult campaign for the Thunder who missed out on a top-five spot, which wasn’t helped after Cowhan was ruled out for the season with a broken wrist in the last handful of rounds.

Cowhan had been carrying a small fracture for most of the home and away series.

Thunder president Rick O’Connell said if Cowhan can overcome the injuries that troubled him this season, he’ll have no trouble making an impact in the Queensland Cup.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose Dave, but we’re not going to stand in his way when he wants to try his hand at that level,” O’Connell said.

“We’ve had a great association with the Cowhan family between Andrew and Dave, they’ve been excellent.”

Meanwhile, Levi Freeman claimed the club’s first grade best and fairest.

Freeman, who led the Thunder’s try scoring with 12 for the season, finished ahead of Andrew Smith for the award.

“He had an excellent year,” O’Connell said.

“Hopefully he’ll stay on board for next year.”

Rhys Dawe (reserves), Jess McDonell (league tag), Liam Wiscombe (under 18s) and Rhys Mitsch (under 16s) were the other best and fairest winners.