Canberra Raiders fallout: North Queensland Cowboys stars Jake Clifford and Rob Derby open up on big win at home

Jake Clifford says the best is yet to come from the Cowboys after starring in the side’s thrilling 30-20 victory over the Raiders. Read what Clifford and Rob Derby had to say in the sheds after the game.

Jake Clifford of the Cowboys passes the ball during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

North Queensland halfback Jake Clifford says the best is yet to come from the Cowboys after starring in the side’s thrilling 30-20 victory over the Raiders on Saturday night.

Clifford scored back-to-back tries in the first half to swing momentum for the Cowboys, finishing the game with a linebreak, try assist and two linebreak assists.

After missing most of the pre-season after undergoing minor surgery, Clifford said he was starting to improve his combinations with key teammates.

“I’m feeling really good. I came back pretty quick and got my body right, and I’m feeling good,” Clifford said.

“It was just a gritty and tough win, we definitely needed that one.

Jake Clifford of the Cowboys catches the ball from Kaeo Weekes of the Raiders to score a try during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“There’s still a lot for us to work on, individually and as a team. I didn’t get much of a pre-season in and I’m building that connection now with Tommy (Dearden), Robbo (Reece Robson) and Drink (Scott Drinkwater), so it was a step in the right direction tonight.”

Clifford said he was still getting used to the Cowboys’ new-look right edge but was thrilled to play a part in Rob Derby’s first NRL try.

“We’ve got a few language barriers going on, we’ve got Pila (Viliami Vailea) who’s Tongan, and we’ve got a Pommy – but no, I’m enjoying it,” Clifford said.

“It’s a fresh combination and every week we’re going to be building and getting stronger and stronger. I’ve only had about two weeks with them so it’s been a good little start.

“Derbs has worked really hard, when he’s come in to play NRL he’s done a really good job and I’m super happy for him to get a try here at home. There’s many more to come, he can do some freakish things so I’m happy for him.”

Robert Derby of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Derby was reliable for North Queensland, making just one error and scoring early in the second half to give the Cowboys a 14-point lead.

He said playing alongside Clifford, who he has played with at the Northern Pride, gave him confidence.

“It was a bit emotional, I think it’s taken me three games to get one (try) on the wing, which is a surprise. But I’m really grateful for the boys inside me that made it easy for me to score. It was unreal,” Derby said.

“He (Clifford) tells me every game to just back myself and play confident. Being outside him gives me that confidence and I always know he’ll be working his arse off for me so I just try to do the same for him.”

Robert Derby of the Cowboys scores a try during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Derby said that Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden had been the vocal leader on the field that helped the team stay grounded when things weren’t going their way.

“‘Mud’ (Dearden) really had some good chat there, every time we had an error or they scored a try or something we had a little huddle and Mud was really good at directing the boys and bringing us together,” Derby said.

“For everything he’s done at such a young age, playing Origin, playing for the Kangaroos, I think he comes back to club-land and he just kills it every week.

“It’s good to see him get moments like that where he puts a team on his back and scores some tries. He’s got a lot of experience and it’s good learning from him.

“Toddy (Payten) made it clear at training that if we just stay at it each week, it’s going to flip. The tide’s going to turn and hopefully that’s started.”

Originally published as Canberra Raiders fallout: North Queensland Cowboys stars Jake Clifford and Rob Derby open up on big win at home