Rising PNG Kumuls star Zac Laybutt inks North Queensland Cowboys extension

The rising Cowboys star wants to bring the passion and pride he showed for the PNG Kumuls back to the NRL next season after locking in a new contract with North Queensland.

(L-R) Alex Johnston, North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt with brother Kyle Laybutt of the Townsville Blackhawks and Rhyse Martin for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

Rising Cowboys star Zac Laybutt wants to bring the passion and pride he showed for the Papua New Guinea Kumuls back to the NRL next season after locking in a new contract with North Queensland.

Laybutt inked a one-year extension with the club this week that will see him remain in Townsville until at least the end of the 2025 season in a top 30 role.

Speaking at Townsville Central State School, where he talked to children about healthy habits as part of the Cowboys’ Adopt A School program, the 21-year-old said he was ready to rip into his first week of pre-season.

“I came into the pre-season last year as a pretty unexpected, unknown sort of player,” Laybutt said.

“I worked very hard to get myself into that team and hopefully I can do the same this pre-season.

North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt runs the ball for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

“The way we have a pride in those Kumuls jerseys is something I want to bring back to the Cowboys and put that pride in the Cowboys jersey.

“It was awesome. The camp itself was great, being around all the boys. I honestly didn’t think it was going to be as good as it was – it exceeded my expectations and I loved every minute of it.”

Zac Laybutt has his sights set on the vacant No.4 jersey that Peta Hiku wore on 22 occasions in 2023. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Laybutt started 2023 with no guarantees of any first grade playing time, initially signed on a train and replacement contract, but quickly impressed Todd Payten to earn his debut in round 13.

The Bundaberg junior made a dramatic impact with his four NRL appearances, enough to earn him selection to the PNG PM’s XIII and then the PNG Kumuls for the Pacific Bowl – which they won with a breathtaking 32-12 upset win over Fiji in the final.

North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt kicking at goal for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

Now he has his sights set on the vacant No.4 jersey that Peta Hiku wore on 22 occasions in 2023.

“I see it as an opportunity. There are other players gunning for that position as well, so it’s going to be a great competition and it can only be better for the club to have more people striving for that one position,” Laybutt said.

“I never really played centre at all (growing up), I always played half or fullback, but the Cows actually got me up here as a centre.

Zac Laybutt has re-committed to North Queensland until at least the end of the 2025 season. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“They wanted me to play centre in the 21s and Cup, so I took that with both hands and I was happy to do so.

“Now I’ve had a few pre-seasons at centre and love playing there, but I’m happy to play wherever they need me.”

Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said the club was thrilled to have secured Laybutt for another year.

“Zac is a tremendously talented young player, but what he was able to achieve last year exceeded the already high expectations we had for him,” Luck said.

“He makes our club a better place and we look forward to seeing him progress.”

Originally published as Rising PNG Kumuls star Zac Laybutt inks North Queensland Cowboys extension