NRL news: Jeremiah Nanai signs big new deal with North Queensland Cowboys

Jeremiah Nanai could have earned far more money if he joined a NSW club – but they couldn’t offer him the chance the Cowboys could.

Jeremiah Nanai has extended his stay at the Cowboys. Picture: NRL Photos

Jeremiah Nanai’s desire to win a premiership at the Cowboys was a key factor in his decision to sacrifice at least $600,000 and ink a lucrative mega deal to remain in North Queensland.

The Cowboys are closing in on a new deal for coach Todd Payten and they have struck another major retention blow with boom back-rower Nanai, who has agreed terms on a four-year extension until the end of 2027.

It is understood Nanai’s new deal is worth $3.6 million in total, still shy of the $4m-plus the Queensland Origin and World Cup star could have pocketed if the 19-year-old opted for the biggest offers on the open market.

The teenage sensation, who turns 20 on Saturday, fielded interest from five clubs, including the Dragons, Canberra and the Titans. One NRL rival offered Nanai a five-year package worth $800,000 for the first three seasons and $900,000 for the remaining two – a $4.2 million bonanza.

Nanai could have earned more money away from the Cowboys. Picture: NRL Photos

But Nanai showed faith in Payten’s premiership vision in Townsville, with Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck hailing the Maroons ace as a key plank in the club’s quest for a second title after their breakthrough win in 2015.

“We are over the moon,” Luck said.

“Todd is a good coach for Jeremiah and Steve Georgallis and Dean Young (assistant coach) have done a good job working on both sides of his game.

“I don’t think we were ever in a position to compete with some of the offers coming his way, but I didn’t feel we had to either.

“We came up with a deal that was fair to Jeremiah and his status in the game.

“He understands the system in place and the players he gets to play with here.

“We have plenty of guys locked in until the end of 2025 and some key pieces of our puzzle are with us for 2026 and 2027. Jeremiah knows that, he is comfortable with that and excited by that. We are looking forward to what he can achieve over the next few years.

“The trip to the UK at the end of the year (for Australia’s World Cup campaign) was great for him, he came back to the club in good order and he has continued to excel in our pre-season program.

Nanai capped a great year with a debut Test cap. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“It was great to get the contract done, last time it was only a one-year extension. This time we have agreed terms on a longer deal so it’s pleasing for us.”

The New Zealand-born Nanai had an outstanding 2022 campaign.

He scored 17 tries from 23 games to help propel the Cowboys to a shock top-four berth, in the process clinching maiden State of Origin and Australia jumpers in a dream season headlined by his silky skills and awesome aerial tryscoring power.

Nanai was the most sought-after young forward on the open market, but Luck was always confident the Cairns junior would stay loyal to the club that helped groom him for the big league.

“It wasn’t a difficult negotiation,” he said.

“We got to a point where we were comfortable and Jeremiah spoke to his family, came back to us and agreed. The reason this club was set up was to keep local kids in North Queensland, so I’m glad we’ve done that with Jeremiah and he is a key part of our success moving forward.

Nanai will be a Cowboy until at least 2027. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“It’s a great show of stability from Jeremiah and his faith in our coach Todd Payten. He will be 24 when he comes off-contract which is still young in NRL terms.

“We have most guys on contract, the nucleus of our squad is tied up. We have Peta Hiku and Jordan McLean off-contract at the end of the year and we’ll see what their discussions look like after the next few months.

“Jeremiah has come back from the World Cup more mature. He has gone from an exceptional boy to a man over the last 12 months, his body is responding to NRL training and he is progressing nicely at our club.”

Nanai recently told News Corp he was reluctant to quit North Queensland.

“I’ve bought a home up here and I would love to stay at the Cowboys,” Nanai said.

“I have got everything I need here, my family, my partner and some friendships that have grown at the club.

“I can’t believe the season I had (in 2022), it was one hell of a year for myself.”

Originally published as NRL news: Jeremiah Nanai signs big new deal with North Queensland Cowboys