Jaxon Purdue reveals frontrunner in three-way battle to pair Tom Dearden in Cowboys halves

North Queensland’s 2024 rookie of the year Jaxon Purdue has weighed in on the three-way battle to pair Kangaroos star Tom Dearden in the Cowboys halves this season. Find out which halfback has their nose in front.

Jaxon Purdue runs the ball during the round 24 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

North Queensland’s 2024 rookie of the year Jaxon Purdue has weighed in on the three-way battle to pair Kangaroos star Tom Dearden in the Cowboys halves this season.

Purdue is locked in a positional playoff with incumbent halfback Jake Clifford and 2024 Queensland Cup halfback of the year Tom Duffy, with the three North Queensland juniors fighting to get the nod for the Cowboys’ round 1 clash with the Sea Eagles.

The 19-year-old livewire revealed Clifford currently had his nose in front with just five weeks until the Cowboys’ first trial game.

“I’d have to say ‘Cliffo’ probably, from his performance at the back end of last year,” Purdue said.

“But it makes all of us a better player when there’s spots to be competing for and I’m loving it.

Purdue revealed Jake Clifford currently had his nose in front with just five weeks until the Cowboys’ first trial game. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I’m always looking for ‘Duff’ and ‘Cliffo’ to sort of bounce off, and now that Tom Dearden is back it’s sort of getting into his head and asking him questions to just be ready for anything.”

While Purdue is the youngest of the trio, his versatility could see him shuffled elsewhere in the backline this season.

The rangy young half made eight NRL appearances in 2024 but rarely saw minutes in his preferred position as a playmaker, instead used at centre, fullback and wing.

Jaxon Purdue at the North QLD Cowboys 2024 Awards Presentation Night. 30/09/2024. Photo: Michael Chambers.

Now almost 10kg heavier and with a fresh spring in his step, Purdue said he was prepared to play wherever coach Todd Payten wants him.

“When I came in I was 78 kilos at the end of (2023). Coming in this year I’m about 85 kilos so I’ve put on a bit and hopefully I keep putting on more weight and keep my speed and fitness,” Purdue said.

“To be honest, I don’t really mind where I play. If it’s centre, if it’s half, if it’s fullback – I’m suitable to play anywhere, and I’m happy to play anywhere.

“If there’s a spot on the team that’s available, I’m happy to play there.”

Jaxon Purdue has added almost 10kg to his frame in the last 12 months. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Cowboys’ two trial games ¬– against the Dolphins in Cairns and then the Storm in Melbourne – shape as the final audition where it is safe to assume all three will be given ample opportunity in the No.7 jersey to plead their case.

Purdue said his main focus was improving his communication and kicking game.

“Definitely my communication. Duff’s communication and Cliffo’s communication is just next level. I think my fitness is there (but) I probably also need to work on my kicking game.

“Chad Townsend last year for example, his kicking game was outstanding and Tom Dearden just bounces off that, so my kicking game, my communication and don’t shy around and be confident when I’m out there.”

The Cowboys will play their first trial game against the Dolphins at Barlow Park in Cairns on Friday, February 14.

Originally published as Jaxon Purdue reveals frontrunner in three-way battle to pair Tom Dearden in Cowboys halves