High profile footy star Kyle Feldt defects to rival code after ‘cold, dark, wet, annoying’ stint in England

Former North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt is set to make his senior Australian Rules football debut.The 34-year-old played his last game for the Cowboys at the end of 2024 before enjoying a stint in the English Super League with St Helens.Feldt has since made his return Down Under after requesting an early release from the English club – and will suit up for local Queensland team Thuringowa.He has now opened up about his time in England, revealing the harsh conditions he had to contend with.’It was cold, dark, wet, annoying. But yeah, it was work, I guess,’ Feldt told the Townsville Bulletin.’When I left here, my expectations were a lot higher than the reality, I guess, and I think that’s why I ended up leaving a little bit earlier than my contract.’ Kyle Feldt (pictured) has made a stunning switch to Aussie Rules football The North Queensland Cowboys hero (pictured with his wife Deanna) has returned to Australia after a stint in the English Super League Feldt (pictured) played his final game for the Cowboys in 2024Feldt is now set to enjoy a foray into Australian Rules – becoming the first high-profile rugby league player to complete a defection to the rival code in some time.The former State of Origin player will join the reigning AFL Townsville premiers for their match against the Hermit Park Tigers this weekend.Feldt is the Cowboys’ greatest-ever try scorer and reached life-member status after making 217 appearances for the club.Despite not announcing a return to the team where he made his name, Feldt’s former teammates are looking forward to his Australian Rules debut.’There’s been a bit of talk about it in-house, we were all curious as to which position he’d play,’ Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.’We’re kind of likening him to a Tony Lockett, you know, full forward, lead once and that’s it, if it doesn’t hit him on the chest.’But he could kick 100 goals, so yeah, it’s interesting, but it’s good to have him back in town.’Feldt is best known for scoring an iconic last-minute try in the 2015 NRL Grand Final, which helped his team secure their first and only premiership to date.