Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2026 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We finish the series today with the second row position highlighted by Cairns duo Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki.
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
>>> Part 2: Outside backs
>>> Part 3: Halves
>>> Part 4: Hooker
>>> Part 5: Middle forwards
John Bateman (85)
The English International enjoyed a terrific first season in North Queensland after arriving in January. Bateman appeared in 19 games, regularly playing 80 minutes with Heilum Luki sidelined for the season. Bateman appears likely again to start in 2026, with Jeremiah Nanai missing for the opening rounds.
Jeremiah Nanai (84)
Remarkably still just 22, Nanai enters his sixth NRL season in 2026. Nanai’s 46 tries in Cowboys colours trail only Gavin Cooper’s 72 among forwards in club history. He is set to miss the opening rounds of the season after suffering a shoulder injury playing for Samoa in the Pacific Championships.
Heilum Luki (57)
Injury has cruelled the early years of Luki’s NRL career, but the 25-year-old was cleared to resume full training after the Christmas break. Luki is set to make his return in the trials, before taking his place on an edge in Las Vegas.
Kai O’Donnell (22)
The Airlie Beach product returned to North Queensland in 2025 and appeared in 18 games during his debut season. Another who is recovering from off-season surgery, O’Donnell is expected to be fit for the start of the season.
Mason Kira (0)
Also included in the middle forwards, Kira could push for an NRL debut in 2026. After coming through the junior grades as a middle forward, Kira has spent most of his time in Queensland Cup on the edge.
James Walsh (0)
Also included in the outside backs, Walsh has the ability to play second row as well. Walsh started two Queensland Cup games at the position in 2025 and has regularly trained there during the pre-season.
