North Queensland Secures Jake Clifford for the Long Term
North Queensland has made a significant move to secure their current halves combination, re-signing five-eighth Jake Clifford until the end of the 2028 NRL season. The 28-year-old player, who was set to be off-contract at the conclusion of this campaign, has now signed a new deal with the club, effectively ruling out any potential moves to the PNG Chiefs or Perth Bears’ inaugural rosters.
In addition to Clifford, Cowboys and Queensland halfback Tom Dearden has also been tied down to the club until the end of the 2029 season. This decision highlights the club’s confidence in their current halves setup and their long-term vision for the team.
Clifford, who made his debut in 2018 for his boyhood club, has had a journey that includes stints at the Newcastle Knights and in England’s Super League before returning to Townsville in 2024. His return to the North Queensland region has proven to be a positive one, as he has made a strong start to this season. He has helped Todd Payten’s side rise into the competition’s top six, scoring four tries and assisting in seven more.
“This decision was a no-brainer for my family and me. This is our home here, and I’m really excited with what this playing group has been building this year,” Clifford said. “The Cowboys mean everything to me. I’ve been supporting this club since I was a little boy in Tully. To be able to put the Cowboys jersey on for at least the next two years and represent the region and my family is something I look forward to every single week.”
Clifford’s latest deal was not without challenges. The 22-year-old Tom Duffy has also been in the mix to become one of North Queensland’s first-choice halves. Duffy’s move to Brisbane ahead of this season opened the door for Clifford, and he will look to celebrate his re-signing with a victory against Parramatta on Friday night.
Another young talent, Jaxon Purdue, was also in the running but has since been moved to the centres. This shift reflects the club’s strategy to utilise players in positions where they can have the most impact.
“Jake was challenged in the pre-season to win his spot; he did that and has gone on to play some of the best football of his career,” Cowboys chief executive Michael Luck said. “The partnership between Jake and Tom Dearden in the halves has blossomed over the past 12 months, and we believe they complement each other well.”
As the season progresses, North Queensland will look to claim their seventh victory in eight games. A key milestone for the club is the opportunity for lock Jason Taumalolo to overtake Johnathan Thurston (294 games) against the Eels, making him the most-capped Cowboys player in the club’s history.
With these strategic moves and a strong performance from their current squad, North Queensland is positioning itself as a formidable force in the NRL. The re-signing of Clifford and the continued development of younger players like Duffy and Purdue indicate a promising future for the club. As the team continues to build on its success, fans can look forward to seeing more exciting performances from the Cowboys in the coming seasons.
