Jeremiah Nanai’s rise to prominence in rugby league is a testament to his resilience, shaped by a challenging childhood experience that still lingers in his life. The North Queensland Cowboys star, who has donned jerseys for both Queensland and international teams like Australia and Samoa, revealed a poignant chapter of his past: the absence of his mother, who left the family when he was just six years old.

Reflecting on this enduring void, Nanai shared with News Corp that his mother’s departure is a reality he has come to terms with over the years. “Mum’s not in the picture. She left us at a young age. I was about six when she left, and I haven’t seen my mum since then. It’s been a long time,” he recounted. Despite the emotional scars, he emphasized his resolve to move forward, stating, “But you know, some things you have to move on from, and I have moved on past that all.”

In the world of rugby league, where many players often credit their mothers for providing support and encouragement, Nanai’s journey stands apart. His path to success lacked the maternal support that many of his peers enjoyed, offering a unique perspective on his achievements.

In a candid moment, Nanai disclosed an attempt he made to reconnect with his mother, motivated not by his own needs but by a desire to bridge the gap for his youngest brother. This act underscores the depth of his character and the complexities of familial bonds that have shaped his life.

While many NRL stars credit their mothers for driving them to training and cheering from the sidelines, Nanai’s journey was different.

Jeremiah Nanai reveals mum walked out at six and resurfaced after he became an NRL star

Nanai, pictured with his partner Jordi, says he hasn’t seen his mum since she left when he was six years old

Cowboys enforcer credits partner and father after mother reappeared following his NRL breakthrough in 2021

He admitted he once tried to track her down – not for himself, but for his youngest brother.

‘I did try to look for her, but it wasn’t for myself, it was for my little brother,’ Nanai said.

‘She left not long after he was born. It was pretty sad that he didn’t have a mother in his life.

‘He had started calling my aunties ‘mum’. That was pretty sad to see really. But that’s why I keep him close to me.

‘I at least had a mother until I was six years old and never saw her again but he didn’t grow up with a mother at all.

‘That was a long time ago now, I don’t even know if she’s alive or not.’

Twelve years after disappearing from his life, Nanai’s mother attempted to make contact – at the very moment his rugby league dream was becoming reality.

In 2021, after making his NRL debut for North Queensland, she reached out.

Nanai’s mum contacted him after his NRL debut for North Queensland, but his partner told her to stay away

Queensland representative admits he does not know if his estranged mother is still alive

‘Yeah, she reached out when I did make it [the NRL], she contacted my partner,’ Nanai said.

‘But my partner said for her to keep away. Respect to my partner for doing that. But that was the last time she ever contacted me.’

That partner, Jordi, has been a constant in Nanai’s life since they met as teenagers at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns.

‘We’ve been high school sweet hearts since grade eight, so that’s going on to 11 years now,’ Nanai said.

‘I might have to get down on one knee this year, it’s time to grow up.

‘She’s been my rock in every sense of the word. She has been there with me from the start, before footy. I love her to death.’

Nanai even laughed as he recalled their awkward first kiss.

‘I was very shy back then, I was a shy kid but I kissed her.

Nanai met his partner in Grade 8, beginning an 11-year relationship before his rugby league rise

High school sweethearts since Trinity Bay, Nanai calls Jordi his rock from the very beginning

‘But when I turned around to walk away and bumped my head on a window awning … I was pretty nervous in that moment, I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings.

‘But yeah, that’s where it all began for us.’

Behind the scenes, it was his father who became both parents overnight.

‘I have an incredible father,’ Nanai said.

‘He stepped into both roles and he was both our mum and dad.

‘We are very blessed to have a father like him, he kept on going and kept us going. He raised five kids by himself.

‘I have so much respect for him.’

Now 23, Nanai has already won Dally M honours, represented Queensland in State of Origin and played on the international stage. 

But his 2026 season has begun on the sidelines after shoulder reconstruction surgery following an injury suffered playing for Samoa in October.

‘I just thought it was just numbness, it was numb for about two minutes but I just thought it was a stinger,’ Nanai said.

‘I played the whole game with it and then after the game, I just couldn’t feel it and that’s when I was like, ‘oh, something is wrong’.’

‘I got scans when I got to Townsville and they told me it was dislocated and there was a bit of nerve damage.

‘It was all torn apart inside my shoulder and I thought, ‘oh, wait’.

‘It was devastating news to hear, especially when they told me I was going to miss out on going to Las Vegas.

‘But I’m excited to see the boys go over there and play.’