North Queensland Cowboys sensation Jaxon Purdue grew up idolising Johnathan Thurston and Daly Cherry-Evans

Jaxon Purdue is the Cowboys young gun that has taken the NRL by storm and is now being talked about as a Queensland Origin bolter. But not long ago, the Mackay product was making the fortnightly 800km round trip to see his idols play.

Jaxon Purdue grew up on the hills of North Queensland’s old stadium trying to catch Johnathan Thurston’s conversions.

Now he will pull on the Cowboys No.6 jersey made famous by his childhood hero when he starts in the halves for the first time in the NRL in Saturday’s clash with Manly in Townsville.

Purdue, 19, has rocketed into the Queensland State of Origin selection debate following a stunning start to the 2025 NRL premiership.

After scoring seven tries in eight games at centre, Purdue has been parachuted into the spine alongside Maroons playmaker Tom Dearden.

But it wasn’t that long ago the Mackay product was in school and making a fortnightly 800km round trip by road just to see his idols play.

“I’ve been a Cowboys fan since I can remember,” Purdue said.

“Mum and dad are mad Cowboys fans as well. We used to go to all the games and sit on the hill at 1300SMILES Stadium.

“We went up to every home game. Even if I played Saturday morning, we’d race up to watch the Cowboys play and sit on the hill trying to catch Thurston’s conversions.

“JT was definitely my hero and Michael Morgan was also my favourite player.

“Big Jase Taumalolo was one of my idols so to be able to run on the field with him, you pinch yourself.”

Purdue is another graduate of Mackay league nursery St Patrick’s College, which produced his playmaking rival this weekend – Manly and Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

Jaxon Purdue after being selected in the North Queensland U12 team. The Mackay product has been a Cowboys fan since he can remember.

Purdue grew up playing in the halves but has been ushered into the NRL at centre over the last two seasons by Cowboys coach Todd Payten.

That was until Payten axed halfback Jake Clifford this week, opening the door for Purdue to shift into his favoured position.

He now wants to follow in the footsteps of 2015 premiership heroes Thurston and Morgan and make the No.6 jersey his own for years to come.

“I grew up playing half my whole junior career. I’m more of a six, a runner,” Purdue said.

“I played a few A-grade games in Mackay at half and a bit of fullback when I was really young.

“I’d never played centre, but I’ve been really enjoying it.

“Hopefully one day I can play six for the Cowboys (permanently), but I don’t really mind, as long as I’m playing NRL and Toddy trusts me.”

Purdue watched Cherry-Evans rise from St Pat’s to the peak of rugby league as Maroons and Kangaroos halfback.

He hasn’t met his fellow alumnus but that should change after full-time on Saturday.

Purdue playing for the Mackay Cutters. Picture: Mackay Cutters Facebook

“Daly is a Mackay boy so it’s crazy to think about what he’s done,” Purdue said.

“Growing up in the halves and watching him play at the highest level, he’s got such a calm head and kills it.

“I actually haven’t met him. He sent videos to us in school saying ‘good luck, boys’.”

That day has arrived, with Purdue given the opportunity to make North Queensland’s No. 6 jersey his own.

His form has also caught the eye of Maroons coach Billy Slater and selectors, who will gather on Sunday night to select a Queensland team for Origin I on Wednesday week.

Purdue is an outside chance for Game One but could be considered a future Queensland player, having represented the Maroons under-19s.

He has heard the Origin chat but is trying to focus on keeping the Cowboys in the top eight mix.

“I haven’t thought about it and there’s a lot of great players in front of me,” he said.

“I am just happy learning at the moment. Hopefully I’m improving every game. I want to just work on my footy this year and stay consistent.

“It’s definitely a dream to put on a Maroons jersey in the future but I want to keep my head down for now.”

Purdue has quickly become a Cowboys sensation. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Purdue has taken the NRL by storm with his blistering speed and athleticism, which he attributes to his 186cm frame and strong work ethic.

“It’s just the long legs,” he said.

“Dad told me stories about being quick, but I don’t believe him.

“I never did athletics or anything like that seriously.

“When you’re on the field nothing matters apart from how you’re playing.

“In the back end of halves the big boys get tired and I can get more involved.

“I like to think I’m pretty fit so that’s when I can come in and take more runs.

“I’ve always been a hard worker and fit kid. I have the competitive nature to try and win fitness tests.”

Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys sensation Jaxon Purdue grew up idolising Johnathan Thurston and Daly Cherry-Evans