Jake Clifford scores three tries in trial to blow open Cowboys halves debate
Who is going to join Michael Morgan in the halves for the Cowboys? Jake Clifford has just put his hand up with a top class trial display.
Cowboys young gun Jake Clifford has turned up the heat on Te Maire Martin in the battle for scrumbase spots with a sizzling hat-trick to sink Queensland derby rivals the Titans 22-16.
In cyclonic conditions at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday night, North Queensland’s Big Three made a drama-free comeback with Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean enjoying a barnstorming first-half cameo.
But the big-name trinity were overshadowed by the clever Clifford, who showed superb control to submit an irresistible to claim to partner $5 million man Michael Morgan for the NRL premiership.
Clifford opened the scoring in the 18th minute before tearing the Titans apart after the break. With scores locked 10-all at half-time, Clifford pounced on a loose ball and raced 60 metres to give the Cowboys a 16-10 lead.
The Titans managed to level scores, but with two minutes to play, Clifford produced some Johnathan Thurston-style magic, dummying his way over to clinch a treble and seal a Queensland derby trial victory.
While Martin was also very good, scoring a clever solo try in the 26th minute, Clifford gave Cowboys coach Paul Green a welcome selection headache ahead of the premiership season-opener against the Dragons.
“Te Maire and Jake both had their moments _ it’s a good headache to have,” Green said.
“Early in the game we didn’t finish our sets well, so we needed to be better and as the game went on, our halves got better.
“Getting the balance right (to complement Morgan) is important. Te Maire is good at sniffing out an opportunity and ‘Cliffo’ has a better kicking game, so I just have to weigh it up.”
Aside from his tryscoring brilliance, Clifford finished with an 18-point haul and kicked well to turn the screws on the Titans.
Equally as pleasing for Green was the return of his big boppers Scott, McLean and Taumalolo.
The hulking McLean played just 10 games last year due to a serious foot injury, while co-captain Scott battled through the pain of a long-standing neck injury that ultimately required surgery
But the midfield monsters looked fit and fresh, with McLean, Scott and Taumalolo terrorising the Titans in the opening quarter before earning an early shower from coach Green.
Scott was particularly impressive. At 33, ‘Thumper’ moved well and his passes before the line were crisp as he sets his sights on reclaiming his Queensland Origin jumper.
“I feel really good,” Scott said later. “It’s always good to start playing some trials and we can put the pre-season behind us.
“There’s no fears with my neck, I’ve never had that.
“I was always confident the surgery would fix the problems I’ve had. My neck hasn’t worried me at all (in pre-season).
“I was really confident out there, it’s good to be back.”
With both sides troubled by a swirling breeze, this wasn’t a trial for the highlights reel, but when it mattered most the Cowboys had the touches of class and composure to finish off the willing Titans.
The gale-force breeze played havoc with the Cowboys’ structures in the first half. On two occasions North Queensland kicks went sailing 15 metres backwards as the wild winds threatened to blow the Steeden to Noosa.
Cowboys halves Clifford and Te Martin formed a slick alliance. Clifford showed good control and opened the scoring in the 18th minute, using his strength to carry two Titans defenders across the tryline.
Martin then countered with some solo magic of his own, brushing off Titans back-rower Bryce Cartwright to crash over in the 26th minute for a 10-6 lead, and kicked judiciously in the second half.
The Titans came storming home but when the Cowboys needed a match-winner, Clifford stepped up.
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT
1. The Cowboys’ Big Three are back. Jason Taumalolo, Matt Scott and Jordan McLean sounded an ominous warning to NRL rivals with powerhouse displays last night. Scott and McLean had injury-disrupted 2018 campaigns but they look fit and sharp. Scott was particularly impressive using the ball in midfield in his 20-minute cameo.
2. Titans forward Bryce Cartwright needs to lift his game following a poor performance. The 24-year-old set up a first-half try but it was punctuated by two woeful errors. He bombed a try with a childish around-the-back flick pass and then missed a feeble tackle for Te Maire Martin to score. Titans coach Garth Brennan should give him a rocket.
3. Jake Clifford has turned up the heat on Te Maire Martin in the Cowboys’ halves battle. They combined well against the Titans but are locked in a shootout to partner Michael Morgan this season. Martin scored a slick solo try but Clifford hit back with a hat-trick, including the match-winner in the 78th minute.
4. Titans second-string hooker Mitch Rein has asserted himself as a serious contender for the starting No.9 jersey. He was strong in defence and scored a try from dummy half to even the scores to keep Nathan Peats honest.
5. Cowboys coach Paul Green won’t be happy with his side’s tryline defence. The Cowboys conceded two soft tries from close range and they need to tighten-up with their marker defence for the premiership.
Rabid Cowboys fan to Rookie of the Year: Purdue’s incredible 12 months
To say the last 12 months has been a meteoric rise for Jaxon Purdue would be a huge understatement. Read how the kid from Mackay went from Cowboys superfan to NRL player in less than a year.
Star exits present Cowboys golden opportunity to revitalise backline
The departure of high-profile Cowboys Valentine Holmes, Chad Townsend and Kyle Feldt gives North Queensland a unique opportunity to revitalise each edge. Find out who’s in line to step up.