Rugby League Star's Emotional Revelation About Childhood Abandonment
North Queensland Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai has courageously opened up about the profound childhood pain that has shaped his remarkable rise to the top of rugby league. The international player, who has represented both Queensland and played for Australia and Samoa, revealed he has not seen or spoken to his mother since she walked out on him and his four brothers when he was just six years old.
A Mother's Absence and Lifelong Impact
Nanai described the absence of his mother as a reality he has simply had to accept throughout his life. 'Mum's not in the picture, she left us at a young age. I was about six when she left, I haven't seen my mum since then. It's been a long time,' Nanai told News Corp in an exclusive interview. 'I haven't even spoken to her since she left, I don't really know where she is or what she is up to at the moment. But you know, some things you have to move on from, and I have moved on past that all.'
While many NRL stars credit their mothers for driving them to training and cheering from the sidelines, Nanai's journey was fundamentally different from the beginning. The emotional void created by his mother's departure has been a constant backdrop to his athletic achievements.
Searching for Answers for His Brother
The rugby enforcer admitted he once attempted to track his mother down, though not for his own sake. 'I did try to look for her, but it wasn't for myself, it was for my little brother,' Nanai explained. '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.'
Nanai highlighted the contrasting experiences between himself and his youngest sibling. '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.'
Unexpected Contact After NRL Breakthrough
Twelve years after disappearing from his life, Nanai's mother attempted to make contact at the precise moment his rugby league dream was becoming reality. In 2021, following his NRL debut for North Queensland, she reached out through indirect channels. 'Yeah, she reached out when I did make it [the NRL], she contacted my partner,' Nanai revealed. '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.'
The Support System That Sustained Him
That partner, Jordi, has been a constant presence in Nanai's life since they met as teenagers at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns. 'We've been high school sweethearts since grade eight, so that's going on to 11 years now,' Nanai shared. '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 romantic moment. 'I was very shy back then, I was a shy kid but I kissed her. 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.'
A Father's Unwavering Dedication
Behind the scenes, it was Nanai's father who became both parents overnight following the mother's departure. 'I have an incredible father,' Nanai stated with evident admiration. '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.'
Current Challenges and Future Aspirations
Now 23 years old, Nanai has already achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning Dally M honours, representing Queensland in State of Origin, and playing on the international stage. However, his 2026 season has begun on the sidelines following shoulder reconstruction surgery after an injury suffered while 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 explained about the injury. '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'.'
The injury news was particularly disappointing for the rising star. '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.'
Through all his challenges—both personal and professional—Nanai's story stands as a testament to resilience, the power of supportive relationships, and the ability to transform childhood pain into professional excellence on the rugby league field.
