Nanai voted as Therabody Young Gun of the Year for 2022

North Queensland Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai has added another mark to his superb rookie season by being voted as the 2022 Therabody Young Gun of the Year by NRL fans this week.

Nanai, who was named in the Young Gun Team of the Year earlier this week, was selected against Roosters winger Joseph Suaalii for overall Young Gun of the Year honours — edging out the Tricolours' teenager with 54 percent of the vote.

After playing four games in 2021, Nanai has enjoyed a breakout season in first-grade, helping the Cowboys reach the top four and a Qualifying Final on Saturday.

Playing in 21 of a possible 24 games, the 19-year-old finished the regular season with an incredible 17 tries to his name whilst also topping 2000 run metres for the year and 620 tackles. Nanai's 17 tries are the equal most by a forward since Steve Menzies in the early 2000's, while third among all players in the NRL this year behind Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston (28) and Broncos winger Corey Oates (20).

In addition to his accomplishments throughout the regular season, Nanai also made his Origin debut for Queensland and could be in line for further representative honours when World Cup squads are selected later next month.