The Cowboys have locked down another one of their best young talents with Tom Chester signing on to stay in Townsville until the end of 2029.
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The local product is the second rising star to ink an extension with the club this month following Jaxon Purdue’s decision to re-up on a multi-year deal.
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It ensures the Cowboys continue on the next few years with a talented young backline core which includes Chester, Purdue and Tom Dearden.
Given the Cowboys’ recent retention drive, it appears more and more likely Scott Drinkwater won’t be at the club next season.
Drinkwater is under contract until the end of 2027 but has been given the green light by the Cowboys to explore his options for next season, with the Dragons the frontrunners to win the fullback’s signature.
Chester was playing without a deal for next year but his strong form over the first couple of months have warranted a three-year contract offer.
Tom Chester has been in terrific form for the Cowboys this season.Source: Getty Images
A graduate from Townsville rugby league nursery Ignatius Park College, Chester started his NRL career as a fullback, but has made a successful transition into the centres.
It’s been a chequered beginning to his NRL journey. Chester suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2023 and another serious knee injury just before Christmas 2024, which kept him out for the entirety of the 2025 campaign.
“Much like Jaxon Purdue last week, there is always an air of excitement that runs through the club when we are able to keep one of our North Queensland kids at home long-term,” Cowboys Recruitment Manager Clint Zammit said via a club-issued statement.
“Tommy has faced more adversity than most to start his career and we have been thrilled to watch him announce himself on the NRL stage this year.
“We see centre as his best position for now, but Tom is another who can fill a number of other positions if required.”