Chester Extends Contract with Cowboys

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have secured a three-year contract extension with local talent Tom Chester, lasting until 2029.

Despite facing multiple ACL injuries, the 24-year-old has successfully claimed a starting centre position for the Cowboys in 2026.

Chester, a late bloomer who graduated from Ignatius Park College in 2018, made his surprising NRL debut in 2022 after emerging from outside the main squad.

After starting 2023 with six games, he sustained his first ACL injury during Round 9.

Chester made a comeback in 2024 but encountered another ACL setback just before Christmas, leading into 2025.

This season, he was designated to start at right centre for the Cowboys in Las Vegas and has become a standout player for North Queensland in 2026.

In his six games, Chester has scored two tries, made five line breaks, and achieved 30 tackle breaks, averaging an impressive 184 running metres per game.