Insider: The four clubs Reece Robson rejected to sign NQ Cowboys deal
Reece Robson was days away from a five-way bidding war for his NRL future when he slammed the door shut on leaving North Queensland. We have the inside story:
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REECE Robson slammed the door on four NRL suitors to ink the extension that will keep him in the Cowboys No.9 jersey through 2025.
A revelation from Robson’s management has proven just how deeply committed to Todd Payten and North Queensland the 24-year-old former Dragon has become.
Robson, alongside Kangaroos backrower Jeremiah Nanai, shaped as subjects of the most critical retention battle of the Cowboys’ off-season.
The hooker had attracted interest from St. George Illawarra, Brisbane, Canberra and his hometown Titans in the lead-up to November 1 - setting the stage for a lucrative five-way bidding war for his NRL future.
On the brink of the richest deal of his football career Robson chose loyalty, inking a two-year extension with the Cowboys before the end of the league financial year, when rival clubs could formally submit their offers.
Robson’s decision will keep North Queensland’s playmaking spine intact for at least the next two seasons.
“There was interest in Reece. Specifically, St George, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Canberra,” his agent told News from the UK.
“Reece agreed to terms pre-31 October, thus no other club had the opportunity to submit formal offers. North Queensland offered a most competitive contract which provided excellent security for Reece.
“Reece is loving his time in Townsville and with the Cowboys. Reece feels the club is building towards something special and the coaching staff are getting the best out of the players. Reece has especially appreciated the guidance he has received since joining the Cowboys.”
Cowboys football chief Micheal Luck said Robson had developed into a cornerstone of the team.
“He brings enthusiasm and intensity every day at training and we believe he is one of the best hookers in the game currently,” Luck said.
“With Reece agreeing to stay for another two seasons, we have our entire spine locked up until at least the end of the 2024 season.
“We are really excited to see how Reece continues to develop over the next three seasons.”
Robson’s appeal to North Queensland’s rivals was obvious.
The Northern New Soth Wales product set a club record for tackles made this season with 1101 in 26 games, joining former Dally M lock of the year Dallas Johnson as the only Cowboys to pass the 1000-tackle threshold in North Queensland’s 27-year history.
With a key spine piece locked down, the club’s attention will turn to extending North Queensland product Nanai’s contract.
Nanai signed a one-year extension earlier this season to stick with the Cowboys through 2023, but is available for rivals to sign for 2024 and beyond.
The 19-year-old scored the equal-most tries of any NRL forward in the past 24 years (17) in a breakout year that ended with both Rookie and Team of the Year honours.
A strong World Cup campaign, including a man of the match nod against Italy, established the young back-rower as one of the game’s hottest off-contract talents.
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Originally published as Insider: The four clubs Reece Robson rejected to sign NQ Cowboys deal
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