Jeremiah Nanai

Jeremiah Nanai was born in Henderson, New Zealand, before moving to Cairns at a young age. Nanai played junior rugby league with the Cairns Kangaroos and attended Trinity Bay State High school.

In 2018 Nanai was selected in the Australian Schools boys U15 side, before he was later signed by the North Queensland Cowboys.

In 2019, Nanai was selected in the Queensland Country U16 side and went on to score three tries and claim Man of the Match honours in their 44-4 victory over Queensland City U16 side.

The following year, Nanai was selected in the Queensland U18 Emerging Squad. Later that year Nanai featured for Kirwan State High in the state final, and went on to score two tries in their win over Palm Beach Currumbin.

Nanai became a development player with the Cowboys in 2021, and later made his NRL debut for North Queensland in their Round 22 clash against the Wests Tigers.

"His performances have earned him his jersey"

Billy Slater FOG #142

In 2022, Nanai enjoyed a breakout year making a name for himself as one of the competitions elite try scorers, finishing the year with 17 tries. Nanai was rewarded for his form with selection in the Maroons team for the 2022 State of Origin series. Nanai made his debut off the bench in Game I, at Accor Stadium.

The Cowboys forward played all three games of the series and went on to play a significant role in the Maroon 22-12 series winning victory in Game III, at Suncorp Stadium.

Nanai capped off a huge year with selection in the Kangaroos squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Nanai made his international debut for the Kangaroos in game 1 of the tournament against Fiji, and went on to score a try in the 15th minute.

Nanai had a mixed season in 2023, playing just 13 NRL games due to injury and suspension. The Cowboys forward also missed the opening game of the State of Origin series due to suspension, but was selected to play for Queensland in Game's II and III, enjoying back-to-back series victories with the Maroons.

Nanai had an impressive 2024 season, scoring 13 tries in 23 games, the most of any forward in the competition. His strong performances earned him a place in the Queensland Maroons squad, where he played in all three State of Origin games and crossed for a try in Game II. Post-season, Nanai was selected to represent Samoa in the international match against England.