Cowboys face $4.2m battle to keep Nanai away from Sydney

Jeremiah Nanai has become one of the hottest free agents of the 2023 NRL offseason, with his performances at the 2022 World Cup in England only adding to his impending contract pay date.

The Cowboys have him for 2023, but then the 19-year-old can go anywhere in the NRL.

Nanai only signed a one-year extension midway through North Queensland’s last campaign, which means from Nov. 1 he’s been free to talk to other clubs—and several Sydney clubs are certainly talking.

Though Nanai is playing in England, his agent has fielded several mega contract offers in the 18 days since the NRL trade window opened, including one mouthwatering deal that would see him paid $4,200,000 over five years. That deal included $800,000 clauses for three years before it climbed to $900,000 in the last two seasons.

Despite the piles of cash coming Nanai’s way, the Cowboys lead the race.

Cowboys footy boss Michael Luck told the Telegraph the northern club has already started putting together a new extension offer for after the World Cup. “We would love him to see out his career here.”

The Sporting Base understands Nanai’s suitors include the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, and St George Illawarra Dragons. The Wests Tigers have also made contact, and may well be the club swinging the $4,200,000 carrot in front of the 19-year-old’s face.

Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins have come back for a second bite of the apple too.

The Cowboys hold a trump card too—Nanai himself has said he’d rather continue his North Queensland career than take more money to move away from Townsville so early in his career.

“I’ve bought a home up here and I would love to stay at the Cowboys,” Nanai told NRL media last month. “I have got everything I need here, my family, my partner, and some friendships that have grown at the club. I would love to stay at the Cowboys and I hope another contract comes. I can’t believe the season I’ve had. It’s been one hell of a year for myself.”

Nanai was not included in Australia’s run-on squad for the World Cup final.

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