Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2024 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the edge forwards, highlighted by young home-grown stars Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
>>> Part 3: Halves
Luciano Leilua (123)
Leilua has been a standout in his two seasons at the Cowboys. The powerhouse Samoan is a nightmare for opposing defences through both his ball-carrying and deft passing game. Leilua has formed a lethal left-edge combination with Tom Dearden and Valentine Holmes.
Jack Gosiewski (63)
The journeyman was terrific in his seven top-grade appearances in his maiden season in North Queensland before a throat injury robbed him of much of the back half of the campaign. Entering his age 30 season, Gosiewski adds valuable experience to a young second-row department.
Jeremiah Nanai (40)
The 2022 NRL Rookie of the Year, Nanai fought injury and suspension during his second top-grade campaign. Still just 20-years of age, Nanai is arguably the top young second-rower in the NRL and will be crucial to North Queensland’s fortunes in 2024.
Heilum Luki (38)
Injuries have robbed Luki of large of chunks of the previous two seasons, but when on the field, the Cairns product has been outstanding. Blessed with rare athleticism for a player of his size, Luki is an attacking focal point for the Cowboys whether playing on the left or right edge.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (12)
A fairy-tale breakout story of the 2023 campaign, Finefeuiaki shot from the clouds to become a regular in Todd Payten’s 17 in the second half of the season as a teenager. Finefeuiaki quickly endeared himself to Cowboys fans through his aggressiveness with and without the ball. He will be pushing for a spot in Round 1.
