It took a trip to the unlikely setting of Las Vegas for Tom Chester to make his return to the NRL, a full 609 days since he last appeared for the Cowboys.
After a promising start in the top grade where he made his NRL debut in Round 18, 2022, injuries threatened to derail his career, missing all of the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season.
Last playing NRL in Round 17 in 2024, another knock in the 2026 pre-season prior to North Queensland’s opening round game in Las Vegas was initially feared to be another long-term setback.
However, Chester recovered in time to take his place in their starting line-up, joining other 'comeback kid' forward Heilum Luki, who was also making his return from an ACL injury.
Mighty Helpful player of the round: Heilum Luki
“Look, 600 days away from the game, it's been pretty tough,” Chester told NRL.com from the sheds at Allegiant Stadium following their 28-18 loss to Newcastle.
“But to come to Las Vegas and play a game of footy was pretty special.
“I don't get nervous before games, but I was pretty nervous heading into this one, so, I'm glad I got through it.
“I've had nearly two years off and this day has been on my mind since then … I've just worked really hard to make that come true.
“Disappointing with the the outcome obviously, but I'm glad I got through it.
“I had a lot of good people around me (to help me get back).
“The club straight away looked after me and re-signed me straight away, so for them I’m forever grateful.
“The medical staff, Ashley Graham, Chicken (Steve Sartori), they've also been really good to me.
“Chicken, he's our other physio, my partner and my family, they're the people at home with me and seeing me behind closed doors. They've been really good to me.”
With Zac Laybutt, who had been playing in the centres for the side suspended, it made sense for Chester to slot straight into the role, with the Townsville Brothers junior saying he had prepared well all pre-season in the position.
“I've pretty much trained outside Tommy Dearden and all pre-season … (even though) I only found out when the team list came out (I would be playing)," Chester said.
"But I've been training there all pre-season, so I was pretty comfortable just to slot straight back in there.”
Although happy with his return, Chester said there was plenty for himself and the team to work on, but they were simple things to rectify before facing Wests Tigers.
“I think we were pretty close,” Chester said of the side playing their best football.
“I think we just made some crucial errors at the wrong time, one of my yardage penalties led to a try (and) a kick-off that that went dead.
“They're little moments, but they actually can cause a big outcome.
“I think if we can just tidy up some of our discipline, I think we'll go a long way.”
Match: Wests Tigers v Cowboys
Round 2 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
9th Position
away Team
Cowboys
13th Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
