Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The incredible North Queensland Cowboys upset of Penrith Panthers on Saturday night at Queensland Country Bank Stadium has turned the premiership race upside down. Jeremiah Nanai played a starring role in the 26-12 victory, scoring a spectacular late try to secure the win.
The energetic back-rower proved his class under intense late-match pressure by outleaping Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards. This performance marks a successful return to form after dealing with a tough shoulder injury.
Fans looking for more rugby league action can read the latest Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions: NRL Round 17 2026 for match previews. You can also view official team ladders and live updates directly on the official National Rugby League website.
Nanai Eyes State of Origin Return
The victory has pushed Jeremiah Nanai right back into contention for a representative jersey. The forward admitted that watching his state from the sidelines gave him massive motivation to get back on the field.
“The boys have been outstanding, Queensland, and I’m getting itchy feet just watching them and supporting them from home,” Nanai said.
“Obviously I want to be in the arena again and pull that jersey on, it means a lot.”
“If I get the call-up, we’ll see, but I’ve just got to focus on what I’m doing here. Hopefully if I get that call-up I’ll take it with both hands and make sure I get the job done.”
Coach Praises Match-Winning Effort
North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten praised the determination of his young star during the tense final minutes. Despite running on empty, Jeremiah Nanai refused to come off the field and delivered when it mattered most.
“You can see how important he is for us in two games,” Payten said.
“They were pretty good performances and what I like is he’s spent a fair bit of time out of the game but he hasn’t missed a beat.”
“I know he was hurting with 15 or 20 minutes to go, we got the message up in the box, should we consider taking him off and making a change, but the people around him pushed him along and we left him out there and he came up with a play like that.”
“So he’s only going to be better in a month.”
