Broncos legacy denied: Why Cowboy Kaiden Lahrs rejected father-son fate in Brisbane

North Queensland’s most decorated schoolboy prop in a decade has revealed why he turned his back on being a father-son player at the Broncos to launch his career at the Cowboys.

Cowboys signing Kaiden Lahrs. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Kaiden Lahrs could have been the third player in the history of the Brisbane Broncos to pull on the jersey once worn by his father.

Billy Walters and Tristan Sailor, the sons of coach Kevin and mercurial Wendell, had each followed their fathers to Red Hill in the last two years.

But on the eve of his senior season at Townsville’s Kirwan State High School Lahrs, the eldest child of former Bronco Tom Learoyd-Lahrs - decided that following his old man’s footsteps down south was not for him.

The most highly-credentially middle forward prospect in the last decade of North Queensland schoolboy rugby league signed with the Cowboys after three years in Brisbane’s academy.

The Queensland Schoolboys captain and Australian schoolboys representative said he had made the choice out of love for his family.

“At the end of the day I’m a big family man,” Lahrs said.

Kirwan High student Kaiden Lahrs was selected for the Australian schoolboys rugby league team. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“I love my family and I just wasn’t ready to leave them and go to a big city by myself.

“At the end of the day it came down that I love my family and I wanted to be around them for as long as I could.”

And while the door has closed on making family history with the Broncos for now, Lahrs is hopeful to make his own in North Queensland with sister Macey.

North Queensland Cowboys player Kaiden Lahrs, 18, with his younger sister Macey, 14, of Kirwan State High School. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys

The second eldest of the Lahrs brood, at 14, is already one of North Queensland’s most intriguing future NRLW prospects.

A lock, like her brother, Lahrs scored 15 tries in seven games playing up an age group in Townsville’s U15 competition in 2023.

She scored 34 tries in 12 games in her U13 season, including four in a grand final day triumph, the year before.

Kaiden is adamant that Macey has the ability to be a future NRLW player for the Cowboys, opening the door for the pair to be the first brother and sister combination to represent the club.

QLD player Kaiden Lahrs. Saturday July 1, 2023. Picture, John Gass

“It’s a bit funny seeing her going around and outshining me,” Kaiden said.

“I’ve seen a bit of a change in her lately where she’s got the desire to be better. She’s working hard and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

“It would be unreal to be the first brother and sister to play for the Cowboys. That would be an amazing feeling. Anything can happen with her if she keeps going down the path she is going.”

Kaiden’s own rise has hit a late stumble, with concussion ruling him out of the latter half of Kirwan‘s Aaron Payne Cup campaign, while a shoulder injury has forced Lahrs onto the sidelines for his first pre-season with the Cowboys.

It has been the toughest six months of his football career but Lahrs said it had taught him gratitude.

“It’s definitely been challenging but it makes you a little bit more grateful of things you took for granted,” Lahrs said.

“Just being able to go out, run around and train with your mates- hopefully I can come back around April.

“I just want to get as strong and fit as I can, so it’s been good to take it as a bit of a look on the bright side of things.”

Lahrs said he was targeting a return via the Mal Meninga Cup under-19s season, with a goal to make his senior Queensland Cup debut before the year is out.

Originally published as Broncos legacy denied: Why Cowboy Kaiden Lahrs rejected father-son fate in Brisbane