North Queensland Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai is expected to go to November 1 to see what offers are out there for a 2028 contract.
Nanai is free to negotiate with rival clubs in two months' time, with CODE Sports reporting coach Todd Payten has confirmed the Samoan star will not be extended beforehand.
Nanai burst onto the scene as a teenager and immediately became a star in the game, leading to him signing a reported $3.6 million a year lucrative extension in 2023 with an expiry at the end of next year.
“I'd love it to happen before November 1, but I just understand how the game works and how his manager works, so I don't think it will happen – or actually I know it won't happen,” Payten told CODE Sports on Thursday.
“He's had a very interrupted season, Jeremiah, and he's frustrated, and we know how good a team he makes us when he's on the park.
“So it's a big off-season for him, he needs to get his shoulder right and (put his) head down, bum up and that thing will work out itself.
“We want to keep him and he's just got to put in the work and make sure he's fit and ready to go.”
Nanai has had a shoulder concern which has disrupted his 2026 season, only establishing nine appearances for North Queensland this year.
He will miss the club's last home game of the season with a knee complaint, replaced by departing edge back rower John Bateman.
"He's tweaked his medial, so he needs a week rest, should be good to go the following week," Payten said on Tuesday.
Robert Derby will replace Zac Laybutt on the wing in their Round 27 clash, marking his second appearance of 2026.
“He's had a little bit of an interrupted season, Rob, he's got a couple of injuries. He's been really strong in the Q Cup while he's been playing there,” Payten said.
“The message around Rob is just go out there and be himself. We know what he's capable of, he has a big body and he should be looking for 16, 17, 18 carries – get down and play the ball quick, do his job for the team that way.
“So he's experienced, he knows what's coming his way tomorrow and he's super excited.”
The Cowboys are locked into the finals for 2026 and will look to build into the play-offs with a dominant showing against the Raiders on Saturday afternoon.
