Jake Clifford expected to make his NRL debut this weekend for North Queensland

COWBOYS young gun Jake Clifford is in the frame to make his NRL debut this weekend after the exciting prospect was named 18th man by coach Paul Green.

Intrust Super Cup. Northern Pride v Easts Tigers at Barlow Park, Cairns. Pride's Jake Clifford. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

COWBOYS young gun Jake Clifford is in the frame to make his NRL debut this weekend.

Coach Paul Green named the Queensland under-20s star as his 18th man for Saturday’s clash with the Dragons and said on Tuesday that it was likely he would get his chance in first grade “at some stage”.

But The Courier-Mail understands he is a genuine chance to play against St George Illawarra, as the club look to blood new players now that their finals hopes are over.

Clifford has starred in the Queensland Cup this year.

Clifford was not named to play in the Intrust Super Cup this week by Cowboys feeder club Northern Pride.

However, in a twist move, fullback Lachlan Coote was selected for the Mackay Cutters.

It is understood the Cutters are still unclear whether they will have Coote’s services on Saturday, but it could be a sign that Clifford will come into the 17 at his expense.

The 20-year-old playmaker has been one of the standout players of the Intrust Super Cup this year, guiding the Pride into the top six, and claimed the man-of-the-match honours in the under-20s interstate clash last week.

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Fellow Cowboys half Te Maire Martin said he expects to see Clifford in first grade soon given how hard he had been working for his call-up.

“There’s a lot of players pushing for positions,” Martin said.

“It would be good to have some new faces in there but it’s up to the coach.

“Jake Clifford is one of them and he’s playing really good footy. I reckon he’ll get a shot very soon.”

Forward John Asiata said he was excited to see Clifford get his chance and thought the time he had spent training with Johnathan Thurston had only been beneficial for the young talent.

“Jake will get his chance sometime this year,” Asiata said.

Clifford could be the future for North Queensland.

“He’s a great young talent. He’s done everything he’s been asked to do preparation wise and with his development.

“He’s learnt off the best in Johnno and he’s been able to dominate at the QCup. With everything he has done this year, he’s going to be rewarded at some stage.

“When he gets that opportunity, he’ll do his best for the team.”

Queensland great Darren Lockyer also called for Clifford’s inclusion in the NRL side last week, saying he should not just get the chance to train with Thurston, but also play.

“To get the chance to play with Johnathan, they’re going to learn something they won’t get anywhere else with anyone else,” Lockyer said of the Cowboys’ next generation.

“It is a unique opportunity to give those guys a good introduction to first grade.”

Originally published as Jake Clifford expected to make his NRL debut this weekend for North Queensland