Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2025 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the second-row position featuring rising star Jeremiah Nanai.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
>>> Part 2: Outside backs
>>> Part 3: Halves
>>> Part 4: Middle forwards
Karl Lawton (104)
Already featured twice on this list, Lawton is more likely to feature in the middle of the field rather than the edge, although the 29-year-old started two finals games at second row for Manly last season.
John Bateman (66)
The English International adds a wealth of experience to a young Cowboys second row stocks. The 31-year-old has won two Super League titles with Wigan and also picked up a Dally M Second Rower of the Year gong with the Raiders in 2019. Bateman is also expected to spend significant time at middle forward.
Jeremiah Nanai (63)
One of the NRL’s brightest talents, Nanai has already scored 37 tries in 63 career games. The 21-year-old continues to be a feature of the Queensland Origin side and also represented Samoa at the end of the 2024 season.
Heilum Luki (57)
The 23-year-old will unfortunately miss the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury.
Kai O’Donnell (4)
The Airlie Beach product returns home to North Queensland after stints in Canberra and the Super League. The 25-year-old scored 31 tries in 77 games for Leigh in the UK Super League.
Jamal Shibasaki (1)
The Townsville product earned an NRL debut as an 18-year-old in a memorable victory over the Roosters last season. A damaging ball-runner, Shibasaki was one of the leading second rowers in the Queensland Cup in 2024.
Wil Sullivan (0)
The towering forward enters his third season of Queensland Cup after an injury-interrupted 2024 with the Mackay Cutters. An athletic second rower or middle, Sullivan has impressed when on the field.
Mason Kira (0)
Entering his first season with the NRL squad, Kira will look to build on his successful 2024 season where he earned a Queensland Cup debut for the Northern Pride. An aggressive middle or edge, Kira shapes as a player to watch in 2025.
