Cowboys dealt huge blow as rep stars Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame sidelined for start of 2026

North Queensland have been dealt a cruel blow, with representative forwards Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame set to miss the start of 2026.

Nanai suffered a shoulder injury whilst playing for Samoa in the year-end Pacific Championships and will be forced to undergo surgery.

The 22-year-old back-rower will be sidelined for a number of months and won't feature at the start of next season.

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Nanai has been one of the Cowboys best players in recent years and has been a regular fixture at State of Origin level for Queensland.

Neame will also miss the early rounds of 2026 due to a shoulder injury.

The front-rower, who has played six games for New Zealand at international level, suffered the injury in August and underwent reconstructive surgery.

He has since been dealt a setback in his recovery, pushing back his return.

In more positive news, the Cowboys confirmed winger Murray Taulagi will be fit to play in round one next year despite suffering a knee injury in the Pacific Championships.

Taulagi was cleared of major damage and will return to training after Christmas.