The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year contract extension with outside back Tom Chester for the 2026 season.
Townsville born and raised, Chester came through renowned rugby league breeding ground Ignatius Park College, but was not a schoolboy superstar.
Chester forged his reputation as a relentless competitor coming through the QRL Pathways, before earning a Cowboys Young Guns contract in 2021 and graduating to an NRL Development contract in 2022.
He would earn a fairytale NRL debut in front of family and friends at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Round 18 of the 2022 season.
Knee injuries have unfortunately stalled Chester’s career, suffering ACL injuries in 2023 and again last December in advance of the 2025 season.
One of the more versatile players on the Cowboys roster, Chester has the ability to play every position in the backline and also spent significant time playing lock coming through the junior grades.
“Tom has had a horrible run with injury over the last few seasons, but we still believe he has the potential to have a successful NRL career,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“He is a passionate North Queenslander and we are excited to be able to keep Tom here in his home town.
“Tom is meticulous in his preparation and tenacious in how he both trains and plays, which are the traits we try to build our club around.”
