‘This kid is the future of our club’: Todd Payten doubles down on Cowboys rising star Jaxon Purdue

Cowboys coach Todd Payten doubled down on his selection of rising star Jaxon Purdue in the halves, while Zac Laybutt’s NRL return was made even sweeter by a touching detail. Read the latest following Saturday’s defeat.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten doubled down on his selection of rising star Jaxon Purdue in the halves, insisting the 19-year-old is the “future of the club” despite his baptism of fire against the Sea Eagles.

Purdue was quiet but reliable on the right edge during the 24-6 defeat, playing a backseat role to Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater while providing some moments of brilliance with the ball.

North Queensland had scored 20 or more points in its last six games, but managed to cross for just one try in Saturday’s loss.

Despite the spluttering attack, Payten defended his decision to move Purdue into the halves to make way for 23-year-old centre Zac Laybutt to rejoin the side.

“They’ll both be better for the run. Did I ever think it was going to be 10 out of 10 first week in? But I’m absolutely certain that this kid is the future of our club in the halves,” Payten said.

Jaxon Purdue of the Cowboys rtbduring the round eleven NRL match between Cowboys and Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Zaccy Laybutt has had 12 months off since an ACL, and he’s only going to get better. So yeah, not changing.”

Cowboys captain Tom Dearden, wearing the No.7 jersey for the first time in almost four years, shouldered a lot more responsibility including with the boot.

Dearden kicked for a season-high total of 267 metres – only three metres shy of his last three outings combined, and he was rewarded with his third forced dropout of the season.

Tom Dearden of the Cowboys and Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles greet each other at the coin toss during the round eleven NRL match between Cowboys and Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Cowboys skipper said his chemistry with Purdue would only get better with more time together.

“The combination with ‘Jacko’ (Purdue) will certainly grow,” Dearden said.

“I thought he was strong tonight, and I think the more reps we get in at training and the more games we get together, the better the combination is going to be. So it’s just about building on that.

Tom Dearden of the Cowboys runs the ball during the round eleven NRL match between Cowboys and Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“He’s a freak of a player, and I think he’s got such great footy instincts, and I think that’s what excites you about playing alongside a player like that.

“When he gets comfortable in that role – he hasn’t played in the halves in a couple of years – so once he gets back to knowing what he can do, it’s very exciting for the future.”

Laybutt’s triumphant return to the NRL after more than 12 months out of first grade was made even more special by his family making the trip north from Bundaberg to witness the occasion.

North Queensland Cowboys training at Cowboys HQ. Zac Laybutt, Picture: Evan Morgan

Laybutt made one of only two linebreaks for the Cowboys, breaking three tackles from 15 runs in a solid 80-minute performance.

“It was great. I love being here, I love playing for the Cowboys. It wasn’t a great result tonight but it’s always good to be out there playing with the boys,” Laybutt said.

“The family actually drove up from Bundy, so it’s always special when they’re up here and it was good to see them after the game. I love when they’re up here.

“I’ve just got to keep being consistent and playing some good footy and hopefully get some wins under the belt.”

Laybutt said he would be ready for whichever teammates end up lining up on the left edge if Dearden, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai are selected for Origin – with Payten backing all three for selection when he said he anticipated “at least five” Cowboys would be picked.

“It kind of helps that for the last couple of weeks I’ve been training with the blokes playing Q Cup, so they’ll step up into that role and we’ve got good continuity out there, so hopefully that’ll be a good couple of weeks ahead,” Laybutt said.

The Cowboys have a bye in round 12 before hosting Wests Tigers on Saturday, May 31, at 5.30pm.

Originally published as ‘This kid is the future of our club’: Todd Payten doubles down on Cowboys rising star Jaxon Purdue