Cowboys sign back-rower Heilum Luki to monster contract extension

The Cowboys have locked in their long-term backrow pairing after Heilum Luki agreed to terms on a monster contract. Hear from the barnstorming backrower about why he re-signed.

North Queensland Cowboys Heilum Luki. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Cowboys have locked in their long-term backrow pairing after Heilum Luki agreed to terms on a contract that will see him stay in north Queensland until the end of the 2029 season.

The 23-year-old Cairns junior will pair Jeremiah Nanai in the forward pack for the foreseeable future.

Luki said the chance to play alongside his long-time teammate was a factor in his decision to stay.

“We used to play a bit of Q Cup together for the Pride and we’ve been playing together since then,” Luki said.

“It’s always good to have him alongside me and I can always ask him for things that I can work on and he’s always happy to help.”

Heilum Luki said he was looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the Cowboys’ young core moving forward.

Luki has made 40 NRL appearances for the club since his 2021 debut but has been ravaged by injuries throughout his early career, and he is yet to play more than 14 games in a season.

Despite his poor luck staying on the field, the towering backrower has represented his country Samoa and he demanded huge interest from rival clubs.

He said he was looking forward to the opportunity to be part of the Cowboys’ young core moving forward.

“A lot of younger fellas have signed a few big deals, especially Jeremiah (Nanai) and Tommy Dearden,” Luki said.

“Having Tommy on my edge and being one of my halves was definitely something that played a role. I think we make a good combination and complement each other’s games.”

Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said he was pleased to futureproof the club’s forward stocks after reportedly losing Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to the Dolphins from 2025.

Cowboys forward Heilum Luki will remain with the club until at least the end of the 2029 season. Picture: Zain Mohammed / NRL Imagery

“We are pleased and proud to be able to confirm the re-signing of Heilum to a long-term extension,” said Luck.

“Heilum joins Tom Dearden as players who are committed to our club for the longest duration, which as two North Queensland products we are thrilled about.

“Heilum came through our Cairns Academy and has already had to overcome numerous hurdles in his young career and has come back bigger and stronger on every occasion.

“We believe he’s only just scratched the surface of his potential and are delighted we will have the opportunity to have him grow in a Cowboys jersey into the player and leader we know he will be.

“He epitomises everything we value as a club – he works hard at training, he’s prepared to do the tough stuff on the field and on top of that he is one of the elite backrow talents in the competition.”

Originally published as Cowboys sign back-rower Heilum Luki to monster contract extension