The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a three-year contract extension with outside back Rob Derby running through the 2028 season.
Born in PNG and raised in Cairns, Derby joined the Cowboys Young Guns program in 2022 before graduating to the NRL squad in 2023.
A physically gifted winger, Derby shot from the clouds to make an NRL debut in Round 13 of the 2023 season, running for an astounding 215 metres in his maiden top grade appearance.
A string of injuries prevented the 22-year-old from registering any further NRL appearances in 2024, although he did return late in the year to star for PNG in their Pacific Championships campaign, scoring in all three fixtures.
Derby has crossed six times in seven appearances for PNG at International level and 27 times in 40 Queensland Cup outings.
He is set to play in front of his home town fans tomorrow night in the Cowboys first trial of the 2025 season, named on the wing to take on The Dolphins in Cairns.
“Rob is a North Queenslander, he’s come through the Cairns system and has impressed at Queensland Cup level, particularly for the Northern Pride in 2024,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“He’s had a great pre-season and we are confident he is ready to take the next step in his career.
“Rob’s gifted athletically, he’s good in the air, he can finish tries, he is excellent bringing the ball out of yardage and does his job well defensively.
“We are confident he is going to be an important part of our NRL team for a long time.”
