Why Storm should regret losing rookie sensation Zac Laybutt to the Cowboys

Laybutt announced himself onto the NRL stage with an emphatic two-try showing on Sunday, but it was a tale of ‘what if’ for Melbourne. Find out how the Cowboys secured their new gun.

Cowboys rookie sensation Zac Laybutt announced himself onto the NRL stage with an emphatic two-try showing against the Dolphins. Photo by SCOTT DAVIS

The Melbourne Storm must be kicking themselves for letting Cowboys rookie sensation Zac Laybutt slip through the cracks.

Laybutt announced himself onto the NRL stage with an emphatic two-try showing on Sunday, but it was a tale of ‘what if’ for Melbourne who signed the Bundaberg junior to a two-year deal in 2018.

While the Storm ran out Reimis Smith and Nick Meaney in round 1, the Cowboys found their full-time replacement for Peta Hiku.

The 22-year-old centre – who grew up playing in the halves and at fullback, is comfortable on either side of the field and is a more-than-capable goalkicker – has now scored five tries in five NRL appearances and looks like a fully fledged first grader.

Laybutt revealed how Cowboys recruitment expert Dane Campbell threw him an NRL lifeline.

Zac Laybutt signed for the Melbourne Storm in 2018. Picture: Mike Knott.

“I did my ACL in year 12 actually, so towards the back-end of that (Melbourne) deal, which didn’t see me get signed there,” Laybutt said.

“Dane got me up here with the (Cowboys) young guns and I progressed through the ranks with young guns and 21s Blackhawks and then into the NRL system.”

Although he debuted last year, Laybutt is still eligible for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award since he played less than five games entering this season.

Cowboys rookie sensation Zac Laybutt announced himself onto the NRL stage with an emphatic two-try showing against the Dolphins. Photo by SCOTT DAVIS

North Queenslanders knew they had something special when Laybutt was a standout under-21s player in Dave Elliott’s 2021 Townsville Blackhawks colts. Elliott predicted Laybutt would be an NRL star in no time and that forecast proved true.

Last year Laybutt inked a two-year extension that will see him continue as a Cowboy until at least the end of the 2025 season and he said his heart remains in Townsville.

“Everyone that lives and breathes rugby league around here wants to be a Cowboy,” Laybutt said.

“I think we’ve got a good mixture of experience and younger players.

“I would love to stay in Townsville. I call this my home now, Townsville, I’ve been living here a few years and would love to stay in Townsville but I haven’t really thought about (my future) too much.”

Laybutt made his international debut in 2023 when he was selected for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII, followed by a successful Pacific Bowl campaign with the Kumuls.

North Queensland Cowboys player Zac Laybutt with brother Kyle Laybutt of the Townsville Blackhawks for Papua New Guinea during the 2023 Pacific Championship. Picture: NRL Imagery

He is eligible for Papua New Guinea through his grandmother on his dad’s side, who was born in Madang province.

His incredible strike rate carried over to the international stage, scoring two tries and kicking five goals in three Kumuls appearances.

Laybutt said wherever he goes he feels the support of rugby league’s most passionate fans.

“Of course you do, how could you not. PNG is one of the largest rugby league capitals getting around and the support from there is crazy,” Laybutt said.

“Going over there I love my time in PNG and you feel that support all the way over here in Townsville and anywhere you go really.”

Laybutt’s PNG heritage doesn’t stop him from one day hoping to pull on a Maroon jersey. In fact, he has already played for a Queensland Murri under-16s team.

Bundaberg's Zac Laybutt in action for Queensland Murri against New South Wales in early 2018. Picture: Queensland Rugby League.

He said playing for the Maroons was a lifelong dream.

“Bloody oath. Of course that’s something you dream of as a kid, playing State of Origin, playing for Queensland, and hopefully one day I can get there,” Laybutt said.

He might still be a while off a Queensland call-up, but Laybutt could learn a thing or two about State of Origin when he goes toe-to-toe with NSW Blues centre Bradman best on Saturday.

“I’m excited for the challenge (against Best), it’ll be a good battle. But I’m just focused on doing my job for the team each week and trying to get my role right,” he said.

“We spend a lot of hours out on the field trying to get those combinations right, it’s just good that it paid off on the weekend and we’ll be ready for the tough challenge of Newcastle.”

Laybutt predicted versatile fullback Tom Chester could be the next young Cowboy to establish himself as a regular NRL player.

“I think one big one is Tommy Chester. He’s got those people in front of him as a fullback and Scott Drinkwater is a great player so it’s hard to get over him but hopefully Tommy can get his time in the NRL and it’ll be good to see him out on the paddock,” Laybutt said.

Originally published as Why Storm should regret losing rookie sensation Zac Laybutt to the Cowboys