Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2023 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the second-rowers headlined by rising superstar Jeremiah Nanai.
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
Jack Gosiewski (56)
Entering his maiden season at the Cowboys, Gosiewski is firmly in the mix for a Round 1 second row spot. The 28-year-old has had stints at South Sydney, Manly and the Dragons over the course of seven seasons.
Jeremiah Nanai (27)
The Cairns product enjoyed a breakout season for the ages in 2022. Having played just four games entering the season, Nanai scored a forward club record 17 tries, played all three games for Queensland in the State of Origin series and two Tests for Australia in the World Cup. Nanai enters 2023 as the Cowboys’ first-choice second-rower.
>>> Part 3: Halves
>>> Part 4: Hooker
Heilum Luki (25)
One of the most exciting forward talents in the NRL, Luki had his breakout 2022 season cut short by an ACL injury. The 21-year-old is expected to return to the field within the first six weeks of the 2023 season and will immediately stake his claim for the No.11 jersey.
NOTE: Coen Hess, Riley Price and Taniela Sadrugu can also cover second row, but are included in the middle forwards. Luciano Leilua was not considered for this article as he is currently on the NRL’s No Fault Stand Down Policy.
