AFTER his short-term return to Warrington Wolves came to an end, Thomas Mikaele has secured himself a deal in the NRL.

The prop forward, who made 14 appearances over two spells during 2023, has joined North Queensland Cowboys for the upcoming season.

Mikaele has agreed a one-year Development List contract with the Cowboys and started training with his new teammates yesterday.

“We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to secure a player of Tom’s calibre and experience this late in the pre-season,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.

“Tom is a powerfully built middle forward, who not only adds depth to our squad, but we believe can make a significant impact for us at NRL level.”

After playing 66 NRL games for Wests Tigers, Mikaele made the move to Super League to join Warrington midway through the 2022 campaign, featuring 11 times to keep the team clear of relegation danger.

He then starred in The Wire’s stellar opening to the 2023 season, scoring three tries in seven matches before leaving for family reasons to return to Australia and join Gold Coast Titans.

After making just one first-grade appearance, however, he was allowed to return to Warrington on a short-term deal until the end of the season and he made a further seven appearances.