How Jeremiah Nanai’s big switch will impact North Queensland Cowboys attack in 2025

Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai is set for the biggest change in his career as he looks to recapture his form as one of the NRL’s greatest aerial threats. Find out how his move will impact the Cowboys’ attack.

Jeremiah Nanai of the Cowboys passes the ball during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys at Casey Fields on February 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai insists a move to the left edge won’t hamper his ability to be one of the NRL’s greatest aerial threats.

Since 2022, only Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates (21) has scored more tries from kicks than Nanai’s 18.

But that incredible record is under threat following the departure of veteran halfback Chad Townsend, who Nanai formed a fearsome combination with over the past three years.

Almost half of Nanai’s tries in the NRL have been assisted by Townsend (16 of 36) with nine coming from Townsend kicks.

The 22-year-old backrower burst onto the NRL scene with 17 tries in 23 appearances across his rookie season in 2022. Nanai was still classed as a rookie as he only played four games in 2021.

NRL 2024 RD26 North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm – Jeremiah Nanai, try /

Shoulder injuries hampered his 2023 campaign, but last year Nanai was able to recapture his tryscoring form thanks to an intuitive connection with Townsend, who always knew where to find the damaging edge forward in attack.

Nanai’s move to the left edge opens up a world of opportunity for five-eighth Tom Dearden and fullback Scott Drinkwater – who regularly pops up on the left edge to finish sets with his left-footed kick.

Nanai said he would “definitely” be just as effective on his new edge despite still finding his feet in defence.

“It’s been good. It’s a bit different at the moment, trying to adjust to playing on the left side defensively, but I’m feeling comfortable out there and I’m excited to play alongside Tommy and our left edge,” Nanai said.

“Tommy is one of the best halves in the game, so if I can get that combination working with Tommy then I reckon we will go a long way.”

Reece Walsh of the Broncos and Jeremiah Nanai of the Cowboys contest the ball during the round 23 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 10, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Whether Dearden and Drinkwater can unlock the dangerous backrower is yet to be seen.

Since 2022, Townsend amassed 34 try assists from kicks – more than any NRL player besides Ben Hunt – while Drinkwater had 14 and Dearden just nine.

Nanai picked up a syndesmosis injury at the end of last year while touring England with Samoa, returning to North Queensland early to complete a thorough rehabilitation process.

Daryl Clark of England breaks away while under pressure from Jeremiah Nanai of Samoa during the Autumn International Series test match between England and Samoa at Brick Community Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

He said that both his recent high ankle injury and the AC joint (acromioclavicular joint in the shoulder) issues that have plagued his early career were under control.

“I came back earlier than I expected. I did my syndesmosis overseas, so I chose to come back early and did some rehab on it, which is good,” Nanai said.

“I’m fully healthy, back now. My shoulders are healthy, the body is feeling good this year, so I’m really excited to get back on the field.

“I’ve worked a lot on my defensive movements. If I can get my defensive movements right then I’ll feel good.”

The Cowboys play Manly on Saturday night, kick-off is at 6.35pm AEST.

Originally published as How Jeremiah Nanai’s big switch will impact North Queensland Cowboys attack in 2025