NRL: Jeremiah Nanai working to achieve goal of Cowboys debut

Training with the North Queensland Cowboys’ NRL team is “just like school” - except a fair bit more physically demanding - for talented youngster Jeremiah Nanai.

TRAINING with the North Queensland Cowboys’ NRL team is “just like school” - except a fair bit more physically demanding - for talented youngster Jeremiah Nanai.

Rated as one of the best young prospects in Australian rugby league, Nanai proved his talents in several outstanding showings for the Kirwan Bears over the past few years - and won the inaugural Michael Morgan Medal - and has spent the past few months adjusting to life as a NRL player.

Jeremiah Nanai is worked over by Jordan McLean. Picture: Alix Sweeney

It’s a shift he’s tried to take in his stride, as he goes from high school student and highly rated junior to being one of the hottest prospects to watch ahead of the 2021 season.

“Going to training it’s just like going back to school,” he said. “You’re there every day by 7am, and you have to get your job done.

“It’s listening, learning, and taking in all of those lessons.”

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The key difference, is this school is run by Todd Payten, his classmates are seasoned NRL veterans like Michael Morgan, Jason Taumalolo and Justin O’Neill, and the test will be one of the most physically demanding he’s ever faced.

The Cairns product has spent the pre-season training on the right edge, soaking up almost 500 games of NRL experience from Morgan, O’Neill and Kyle Feldt.

Regular advice from barnstorming Tonga captain Taumalolo, along with the club’s established second-row contingent has made the transition a touch easier for the 17-year-old - but he admitted the physically demanding introduction to pre-season was tough on the body.

“Those first four weeks were pretty rough, just learning what to do, and getting to know the boys,” Nanai said.

Jeremiah Nanai . Picture: Alix Sweeney

But it will be worth it as he works towards the dream of securing a NRL debut.

“Oh, 100 per cent, the goal is to hopefully play in the NRL, like everybody else (hopes)” Nanai said.

“(This year) I want to try to grow into a better person, and hopefully get that crack at the NRL. The spot doesn’t come easily so I have to work hard.

“I’ve been training on the right edge … and trying to get with Morgo, getting used to the players and the plays.

“I’ve learned from Morgs, JT, and a few of the other second-rowers around.

“I’ve been learning from them every day and hopefully I’ll be playing alongside them eventually.”

When not required by the Cowboys, Nanai will return to Cairns to play for the Northern Pride, where coach Ty Williams has already said the young gun would be in contention for the Intrust Super Cup squad.

He may well start the season at that level, but there’s every chance Nanai can force his way into Payten’s first-choice 17 by the end of the year.

Nanai may get his first crack in a Cowboys jersey when the club travels to Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium to face the Broncos in a pre-season trial on February 27.

Originally published as NRL: Jeremiah Nanai working to achieve goal of Cowboys debut