Cowboys bring home former club rookie of the year Jake Clifford
North Queensland has confirmed the NRL homecoming of a former club rookie of the year after hitting top form in the United Kingdom.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
North Queensland has confirmed the NRL homecoming of former club rookie of the year Jake Clifford for 2024.
Once regarded as the heir apparent to Johnathan Thurston, the 25-year-old halfback will return to his local club after three years away to back-up first choice halves Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden and mentor emerging No.7 Tom Duffy.
Clifford joined Newcastle on a mid-season transfer in 2021 after 42 games for the Cowboys, before experiencing the Super League with Hull KR in 2023.
The Tully, North Queensland native had been linked to both Ricky Stuart’s Raiders and Tim Sheens’ Tigers as recently as July after finding form in the UK.
“With Ben Hampton leaving our squad in 2024 we were searching for a half with NRL experience who could back-up Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden as well as help to mentor Tom Duffy,” Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.
“It came to our attention Jake potentially had an interest in coming back to the NRL.
“We had some discussions with Jake and his agent and we were thrilled to be able to come to terms in quick time.
“He was playing some of the best football of his career under Todd before he left in 2021 and we’re excited about what he can bring to our squad in terms of experience and competition for spots.
“We also know he is a great cultural fit and it’s always a bonus to be able to bring a North Queensland boy home.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Cowboys bring home former club rookie of the year Jake Clifford
POLL: Vote for the best AFL club in regional Queensland
Aussie rules clubs from the Sunshine Coast all the way up to Cairns and everywhere in between feature in our list of the best going around. HAVE YOUR SAY.
Central Qld teen sprint queen smashes 28-year 100m record
Teenager Lily Woods is tracking as one of Queensland’s leading athletes, mentored by her mum Melanie, a Commonwealth Games medallist. She is now gearing up for the National All Schools Championships, alongside a host of other Central Qld stars.
‘Special talent’: Schoolboy footy sensation’s exciting code switch
St Brendan’s College graduate Matt Hill seemed destined for an NRL career with powerhouse club Melbourne. But the Hawthorn AFL club has poached him and Yeppoon Swans coach Mark Wallin says it comes as no surprise to him.
FULL WRAP: 110+ photos, results and rundown of Rocky Touch Red Rooster Carnival
A record 173 junior teams contested the 2024 edition of the event, which is now in the running for a Queensland Touch Football award. Check out all the grand final scores and the hundreds of faces in our bumper gallery.
‘Superstar in the making’: QLD cowboy cleans up at PBR Australia grand finals
Calliope’s Boston Leather has done the unthinkable, claiming the 2024 PBR Australia bullriding title in his rookie year. Read what both Leather brothers had to say and watch some of the best rides.
Inspiration behind marathon fundraising from Aussie rules stars
Amy Mill and Tom Orford have been pounding the pavement in order to raise money for the homeless as part of a trend that has gripped the nation. Discover their courageous efforts here.