Coen Hess
Introduction
Coen Hess (born 14 August 1996) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League. He plays at second-row.
Background
Born in Bundaberg, Queensland, Hess lived in the town until the age of 8. While in Bundaberg, he played junior rugby league for the Across The Waves Tigers club and attended St Patrick's Catholic School. He then moved with his family to Mount Isa, where he played for the Mount Isa Black Stars. In 2012, Hess signed a scholarship deal with the North Queensland Cowboys and moved to Townsville where he attended Ignatius Park College. That year he represented the Queensland under-16 side.
In 2014, Hess made his NYC debut for the Cowboys, scoring a try in his side's loss to the Newcastle Knights. Later that year he represented the Queensland under-18 side and was a member of the Townsville Stingers' victorious Mal Meninga Cup and National Under-18 Championship sides.
Playing career
2015
In January, Hess was a member of Queensland's Emerging Maroons squad and played for the Cowboys in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines tournament. On 19 March, Hess re-signed with the Cowboys for a further three seasons. Later that year, he represented the Junior Kangaroos and the Queensland under-20 sides.
In June, Hess made his Queensland Cup debut for the Mackay Cutters, scoring two tries and setting up another in their victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins in which Hess was given man of the match honours.
In Round 24 of the 2015 NRL season, Hess made his first grade debut in the Cowboys' 50–16 win over the Warriors, scoring a try and setting up another. On 14 September, he was named at second-row in the 2015 NYC Team of the Year.
2016
On 6 January, Hess was selected in the QAS under-20s Origin squad. In Round 12 of the season, he played his second NRL game, coming off the bench in the Cowboys' 10-14 loss to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Hess played 8 games for the Cowboys in 2016, scoring 4 tries. He started two finals games for the club in place of the injured Ethan Lowe, including playing the full 90 minutes in the Cowboys' semi final extra-time win over the Brisbane Broncos. Hess ran for 188 metres and scored a try in the victory.
Achievements and accolades
Individual
North Queensland Cowboys Rookie of the Year: 2015
NYC Team of the Year: 2015
Statistics
NRL
| Season | Team | Matches | T | G | GK % | F/G | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | North Queensland | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | 4 |
| 2016 | North Queensland | 8 | 4 | 0 | – | 0 | 16 |
| Career totals | 9 | 5 | 0 | — | 0 | 20 | |