After a lengthy absence, Tom Chester made a notable return to the NRL in Las Vegas, marking 609 days since he last played for the Cowboys.
Chester debuted in Round 18 of 2022, but injuries derailed his promising career, sidelining him for all of the 2025 season due to an ACL tear sustained in pre-season.
His last NRL appearance was in Round 17 of 2024, and another injury during the 2026 pre-season raised concerns about another substantial setback.
Fortunately, Chester made a swift recovery, earning his spot in the starting lineup, alongside fellow 'comeback kid' Heilum Luki, who was also returning from an ACL injury.