‘It’s not going to happen’: Todd Payten braced to lose local North Queensland Cowboys halfback

North Queensland is braced to lose one of its homegrown halves, with Todd Payten confirming the departure of one of his talented playmakers at season’s end. Read the coach’s update on his halves situation for 2026.

Cowboys halves Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy.

North Queensland is braced to lose one of its homegrown halves, with Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirming the departure of one of his talented playmakers at season’s end.

Both Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy are yet to secure deals for 2026, and the North Queensland juniors had been holding out for an extension to remain in the region they grew up in.

But the pair were forced to reconsider their futures when Payten indicated that teenage sensation Jaxon Purdue was the future of the club in the No.6 jersey.

On Thursday, Payten confirmed the club was close to agreeing to terms on a fresh deal with just one of the two off-contract halves.

“Ideally we would (like to keep both), but it’s not going to happen,” Payten said.

“It will get announced when it’s done, but we’re close.”

Shawn Blore of the Storm is tackled by Jake Clifford of the Cowboys during the round 18 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on July 05, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Clifford had been linked with a Super League return as well as the Canberra Raiders, but his form this season could well have played him into a new contract with the Cowboys.

Former Australian Schoolboys halfback Duffy, who turned 22 earlier this week, showed great loyalty to stave off interest from rival NRL clubs and undertake a Queensland Cup apprenticeship, biding his time in reserve grade and honing his skills.

Tom Duffy of the Cowboys takes possession of the ball during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys at Casey Fields on February 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Duffy has played 50 games for the Townsville Blackhawks and Northern Pride across three seasons, scoring 12 tries and kicking 189 goals with a success rate better than 76 per cent.

He was named the 2024 Queensland Cup Halfback of the Year, earning an opportunity to make his NRL debut in round 1 this year, but failed to lock down his place in the team.

Ignatius Park College has a good history of producing NRL players, including Tom Duffy and Coen Hess. (L-R Back) Tom Duffy, Kye Connell, Patrick Fanning, Bradley Pilchowski. (L-R Front) Sitiveni Afu, Coen Hess, Harrison Johnstone. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Payten said he was comfortable with the team named this week, starting Duffy in the halves with rising star Purdue at left centre.

“The short answer is yes. ‘Cliff’ is probably another week away, I’ve spoken about that, (he was) touch-and-go for this week,” Payten said.

“But we need him to be able to do all parts of his game, which is kicking and running at top speed.

“Duff’s coming back from injury. I think Jaxon in the centres allows us some more speed on the edges, and Duff’s clear and calm when he talks and directs the team around, which is an advantage for our team.”

The Cowboys play the Dragons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday night. Kick-off is at 6pm.

Originally published as ‘It’s not going to happen’: Todd Payten braced to lose local North Queensland Cowboys halfback