The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to contract extensions with forwards Essay Banu and Tallisha Harden and emerging outside back Ana Malupo.
Banu and Malupo have inked three-year deals, while veteran second-rower Harden has extended for one season.
Banu has been one of the breakout stars of the past two seasons for the Cowboys, regularly starting in the front row for Ricky Henry.
The 23-year-old Tully Tigers junior appeared in all 12 games for the Cowboys in 2025, starting on 10 occasions.
Banu averaged 57 running metres a game and made 133 tackles at a 94 per cent efficiency in 2025.
Malupo, the Cowboys 2025 Rookie of the Year, made three NRLW appearances in her debut season.
The 20-year-old flyer grew up in the Northern Territory before relocating to Townsville in 2023 to attend Kirwan State High School and earned a Development Contract with North Queensland in 2024.
Malupo has also represented Tonga in three Internationals.
One of the great stalwarts of women’s rugby league in Queensland, Harden’s extension creates the opportunity for the 33-year-old to reach 50 NRLW games in 2026, a milestone only nine women have eclipsed since the competition’s formation in 2018.
In total, Harden has appeared in 47 NRL games, including 29 in Cowboys colours over three seasons.
“The 2025 season was a standout year for Essay, she continued to develop her game and I believe there’s much more to come,” Henry said.
“She takes immense pride in representing her community and this wonderful club.
“I am thrilled to secure Ana for a further three years. In her first game she showed poise, confidence, and looked so comfortable at this level. We believe she has an exciting future in the game.
“Tallisha is in top physical condition, delivering outstanding performances on the field this year. Her competitive spirit drives her teammates to excel and her presence and leadership are qualities that are valuable to our playing group.”
