'It brings the nerves back': Luki set for long-awaited return in Vegas

The Cowboys may already be in Las Vegas, but for Heilum Luki the journey to this moment began long before the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium came into view.

After a frustrating run of injuries and an extended stint away from the NRL, Luki is set to make his long-awaited return on one of the biggest stages rugby league has to offer - a comeback that carries excitement, relief, and nerves. 

“It definitely brings the nerves back,” Luki told NRL.com. “I’ve never been to Vegas before, but I’ve heard great stories about it. I’m excited and really looking forward to playing.”

Luki’s path back has tested his patience. A proven first-grade performer, the damaging edge forward has crossed for 15 tries across 59 first-grade appearances, establishing himself as a genuine attacking threat when fit.

But the past year has been spent largely on the sidelines, rehabbing, rebuilding, and waiting for another opportunity after suffering two ACL injuries in his young career, the most recent wiping out his entire 2025 season.

His first taste of contact came in the opening week of pre-season against the Canterbury Bulldogs, and it didn’t take long for Luki to remind everyone of his impact.

Starting on the left edge, he powered past the defence to put the Cowboys on the board inside the opening five minutes, celebrating his return with a try just 5 minutes into the match.

“It was good to finally be back out there,” Luki said. “It’s been a long year stuck in rehab. The knee is feeling really good, and I’ve had a solid pre-season.”

Now the real work begins, with preparations complete as the North Queensland Cowboys open their season against the Newcastle Knights under the global spotlight.

Despite the hype surrounding the NRL’s return to the United States, Luki insists the focus within the camp hasn’t changed.

We’re not letting any distractions get to us,” he said. “Our main focus is to turn up, play some good footy and get the win.”

With Jeremiah Nanai sidelined for the start of the season with a shoulder injury, Luki will start in the secondrow alongside Sam McIntyre against the Knights.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said McIntyre was also likely to spend some time in the middle, with secondrowers Kai O'Donnell and John Bateman named on the six-man interchange.

"We were pretty light on the ground post-Xmas for backrowers. Heilum was the only one who was able to train most days," Payten said.

"Sam gives us is flexibility with the rotation, he is a smart footballer and is a point of difference out on that left egde.

"When he rotates through the middle he plays to his strengths and then he has got some different subtleties to what he can offer us on that egde."