NRL news: Broncos blow as Cowboys poach young gun Kaiden Lahrs

He’s the best young forward in Queensland, and he’s about to walk out on the Broncos. Find out how North Queensland landed one of the hottest prospects in the country.

Kaiden Lahrs has quit the Broncos to sign with the Cowboys. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Cowboys have delivered a derby blow to the Broncos by poaching the son of a former Test and Origin star rated the best young forward in Queensland.

Boom Townsville product Kaiden Lahrs – son of ex Broncos, Raiders and Storm prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs – has quit Brisbane to ink a three-year contract with North Queensland.

Lahrs, 16, is such a promising youngster that he last year won the Sam Thaiday Medal – awarded to the best player at league nursery Kirwan State High School – despite being in Year 11.

The hard-running lock forward is believed to be the youngest ever recipient of the award, highlighting his potential to be a future NRL star.

Kaiden Lahrs is rated the best young forward in Queensland. Picture: Evan Morgan

Lahrs has been in Brisbane’s development system for the past few years and is contracted to the Broncos – the club his father made his NRL debut for in 2004 – until the end of 2023.

However he has been snapped up by the Cowboys for 2024-26 in what is regarded as a huge coup for the Townsville club.

Lahrs will enter North Queensland’s development list when he graduates school at the end of this year and begin his progression to the NRL squad.

Kirwan High is regarded as one of Queensland’s top league schools, with the likes of current Cowboys stars Jason Taumalolo and Jeremiah Nanai graduating from the school.

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs with son Kaiden when he was three.

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs in action for the Canberra Raiders.

The Cowboys have unearthed some top forward talents in recent years like Heilum Luki and Queensland Origin trio Reuben Cotter, Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) and Nanai.

That production line of talent emerging under Cowboys coach Todd Payten is believed to have been a factor in Lahrs deciding to sign with North Queensland.

The signing of Lahrs comes on the back of a remarkable resurgence for the Cowboys last year.

After finishing 15th in 2021, the Cowboys claimed a top four spot before eventually bowing out of the premiership race in the preliminary finals.

Kaiden Lahrs has been snapped up by the Cowboys for 2024-26 in what is regarded as a huge coup for the Townsville club. Picture: Evan Morgan

After his son collected the Sam Thaiday Medal last year, Learoyd-Lahrs – who played four Origin games for NSW and four Tests for the Kangaroos – said Kaiden was a dedicated player.

“He’s different to me. I think he’s got a lot better work ethic than I ever had at his age,” said Learoyd-Lahrs.

“He loves being busy, he’s one of those footballers who goes out and competes.

“He’s just a bit of a sponge, he’s just got a real thirst for knowledge and learning. I know they (the Broncos) will be happy with the way he applies himself while he’s down there.”

However his stint with the Broncos will now be short-lived.