The North Queensland Cowboys have moved quickly to secure the future of rising back-rower Mason Kira, extending the young gun’s deal until the end of 2027, despite the fact that he’s yet to play an NRL game.
Regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Cowboys system, Kira’s extension comes after a string of strong performances in the QLD Cup and an impressive stint on the club’s development list.
According to The Courier-Mail, the new deal shuts the door firmly on any potential poaching efforts from expansion club Perth Bears.
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Promotion for Mason Kira to Top 30 squad in 2025
A graduate of Mountain Creek State High School and a former Queensland U19s representative, Kira previously spent time with the Melbourne Storm before joining the Cowboys on a train-and-trial basis last year.
His continued development with feeder sides Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters has now earned him promotion to the Cowboys’ Top 30 for the 2025 season.
Seen as a powerful ball-runner with a high work rate, the club believes Kira can follow in the footsteps of other breakout youngsters like Jaxon Purdue and Jamal Shibasaki as he pushes for a first-grade debut.
With the Bears set to enter the NRL in the coming years, the Cowboys’ move to tie down one of their most promising forwards is as much about the future as it is about rewarding hard work.