Kai O’Donnell looks set to remain in the NRL, despite strong rumours and hopes that he would be returning to Super League side Leigh Leopards.
O’Donnell became a fan favourite at the Leigh Sports Village almost immediately, joining the club ahead of their Championship-winning season in 2022.
He stayed around for another two years after that, becoming one of the most consistent back rowers in Super League, before an opportunity arose for him to play NRL in 2025.
O’Donnell is currently part of the North Queensland Cowboys squad, but with his contract set to be up at the end of the campaign, there were hopes that Leigh could potentially persuade him into returning to the UK.
With younger brother Ashes plying his trade at Huddersfield Giants, a move back to Super League isn’t unrealistic, but his future now remains uncertain having not been included on the Cowboys’ released list.
Head coach Todd Payten is saying goodbye to 11 players as it stands, with the likes of John Bateman, who will move to Bradford, Matt Lodge, who is now at Leeds and Mason Barber, who is Perth Bears-bound.
The back rower is one of five off-contract Cowboys not to make the released list, suggesting that the club are still in negotiations with the quintet about a potential extension.
Ethan King, Mason Kira, Liam Sutton and Xavier Kerrisk are the other four still waiting to have their futures confirmed.
North Queensland will also say goodbye to Sam McIntyre (NZ Warriors), Scott Drinkwater (St George Illawarra), Murray Taulagi and Viliami Vailea (both rugby union), whilst Harrison Edwards joined the Parramatta Eels in mid-season.
Jaxson Paulo, Wiremu Greig and Zaz Herdegen are also on the outer, but are yet to receive deals elsewhere.
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