Rising rugby league talent Mason Kira reflects on rise from Sunshine Coast Falcons to North Queensland Cowboys NRL side
One of the country’s most rapidly rising league prospects has put himself on the cusp of an NRL debut less than a year after playing underage footy. Discover why you need to know Mason Kira.
Sunshine Coast
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One of the country’s most rapidly rising league prospects has put himself on the cusp of an NRL debut less than a year after playing underage footy.
Mason Kira recently put pen to paper on a Cowboys 2025 development contract that will likely turn into a top 30 spot in 2026.
With the 19-year-old fresh from playing in the Cowboys opening trial match against the Dolphins last weekend, Kira has now set his sights on an NRL debut.
“I’ll be dropping back to the Pride each week so hopefully I can perform well and put my best foot forward for them each match but it would be great to really push for an NRL chance around Origin time,” Kira said.
“The aim is to definitely crack into the NRL but since being around the squad my focus has shifted to make my debut and push as hard as I can to stay in the team.
“That’s the hard part so hopefully when my time comes I can give them enough of a reason not to drop me back down.”
Kira was coming through the grades at the Sunshine Coast Falcons, an affiliate club of the Melbourne Storm before the North Queensland Cowboys signed the damaging middle forward to their academy system prior to the 2023 season.
Before graduating from Mountain Creek SHS Kira played two seasons with the Falcons under-21s Colts team before relocating to Townsville with his mum, dad and sister in late 2023.
Last season Kira was a mainstay for the Northern Pride’s Mal Meninga Cup team before starting at lock for the Queensland Under-19s in their mid-season clash against NSW. He was 18th man a year prior.
By Round 20 the 184cm hard running middle debuted for Pride’s Queensland Cup side, playing the final three matches of the regular season plus their two finals appearances.
“I feel it’s been quite quick and sudden ever since I made my debut for the Falcons under-21s team and I was still in Year 11,” Kira said.
“The Falcons coach at the time Cam Boaza, who was also my high school coach, saw I was ready to take that next step so I was fortunate to play a fair amount of games in 2022 and the majority of 2023.
“Then moving North and having that opportunity to debut and stick around in Queensland Cup has been rapid.”
“It’s still really surreal but such a massive honour,” he said.
“Two years ago I was sitting in the classroom, chatting with the boys or watching these players on TV thinking it would be mean to have that opportunity to meet, train and play alongside them.”
Kira started at second row in the Cowboys trial at the weekend and praised the support and guidance of senior forwards McLean and Cotter.
“Reuben and I will have a chat before and after every training session, just looking at where we can be better and any little goals we’re trying to accomplish,” he said.
“Jordan McLean too, he’s been such a big help with my fitness and technique.”
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