Cowboys provide major update on Origin star’s shoulder injury
North Queensland have been handed a mixed injury update, with scans confirming second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has suffered a re-injury to his shoulder following their 28-12 victory over the Bulldogs on the weekend.
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The damage is not as severe as initially feared, with the Cowboys confirming Nanai will not require surgery in a huge boost for both the player and the club, after Nanai had only just undergone surgery during the off-season and missed the initial months of the season.
Nanai left the field with the complaint during the contest, sparking concern given his history with shoulder issues and the nature of the incident in heavy contact.
While the early signs pointed towards a potentially long-term setback, further imaging has provided some relief, although the dynamic forward is still expected to spend an extended period on the sidelines and miss Origin selection.
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The Cowboys have indicated Nanai will be out for at least a month, dealing a blow to their forward pack as they look to maintain momentum through a crucial stretch of the season.
Club officials are expected to continue monitoring Nanai’s recovery closely, with a clearer return timeline to emerge in the coming weeks as he progresses through rehabilitation.
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His absence will likely force a reshuffle on the edge once again, with North Queensland needing to find a way to replace his impact, particularly in attack where his line-running and aerial ability have been key weapons.
Sam McIntyre and Kai O’Donnell have filled in previously during Nanai’s absence, and each would be in the running to win the vacated edge spot for the Cowboys’ Round 10 matchup against the struggling Eels.
The good news for the Cowboys is that after a worrying start to the season that saw coach Todd Payten under immense pressure to retain his job, the club now sits in sixth place after playing some good football.
They will look to continue that form this round as they push for a spot in the top four and brace for the Origin period that will soon see multiple players unavailable.
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