The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Townsville junior Tom Chester, running through the 2029 season.
The 24-year-old has endured a luckless start to his NRL career through multiple ACL injuries, but Chester has nailed down a starting centre spot for the Cowboys in 2026.
A late bloomer, who graduated from Ignatius Park College in 2018, Chester made an unlikely first grade debut in 2022 from outside of the NRL squad.
The Cowboys Young Guns graduate would play six games to begin the 2023 season before suffering his first ACL injury in Round 9.
Chester returned in 2024, but again suffered an ACL injury just prior to Christmas leading into 2025.
He was named to start the season at right centre for the Cowboys in Las Vegas and has been a breakout star for North Queensland in 2026.
In six games, Chester has registered two tries, five line breaks and 30 tackle breaks, while averaging an enormous 184 running metres a game.
“Much like Jaxon Purdue last week, there is always an air of excitement that runs through the club when we are able to keep one of our North Queensland kids at home long-term,” Cowboys Recruitment Manager Clint Zammit said.
“Tommy has faced more adversity than most to start his career and we have been thrilled to watch him announce himself on the NRL stage this year.
“We see centre as his best position for now, but Tom is another who can fill a number of other positions if required. He came through the junior grades as a half and played much of his Queensland Cup at fullback, so he provides Todd and his staff with great versatility if the need arises.
“Off the field, Tom is a fantastic young man. His work ethic and determination are second to none, he puts himself in the position to be the best version of himself every time he steps on the field.”
Chester thanked the club for sticking by him during a horror injury run.
“Firstly, I just want to say how grateful I am to the Cowboys and everyone involved at the club for believing in me and sticking by me through a tough period with injuries. It’s not something I take lightly, and I’m really appreciative of the support I’ve had along the way,” he said.
“I’m a Townsville boy, born and bred and I still pinch myself every time I get to wear the jersey I grew up supporting as a kid.
“I genuinely believe we’ve got a great group of players and staff here that can build something special and I’m proud and excited to be a part of it over the next three years.”
