Clifford to get first crack at Cowboys No.7 after extending

Jake Clifford looks set to partner star five-eighth Tom Dearden at the North Queensland Cowboys from the next NRL season after re-signing a one year upgrade that also includes a club-sided option for 2026.

There were originally reports coming out of England that Hull FC wanted to sign Clifford again, but this extension with North Queensland puts paid to any exit plans now.

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Clifford, who is still 26, will start his second attempt to solidify a Cowboys starting spot this week. Todd Payten has dropped Kyle Townsend—who is leaving to join the Sydney Roosters next year—and slotted Clifford into the number seven jumper against the Canberra Raiders later today.

The Cowboys boss refused to speak further on anything “down the line” but did admit he’s already spoken to Clifford, Dearden, and young gun Tom Duffy about what the halves combos could look like.

“Both him [Clifford] and Tom Duffy have been the best halves in the Queensland Cup, Cliffo got the nod [this week] through his NRL experience and he’s tackled really well, kicks well, and got the job done a few times before,” Payten declared.

“Everything else [selection-wise] is a next-season problem. There’s plenty more footy to play yet.”

Clifford will have three games to prove that he can play halfback alongside Dearden, who shapes as the main man for the Cowboys heading long into the future. They will have a tricky run home to end 2024, with the Melbourne Storm at home then the Canterbury Bulldogs away after Saturday’s match against Canberra in Townsville.

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This will be Clifford’s fourth appearance for the Cowboys since returning from England. He last played 42 games for the team between 2018 and 2021 before leaving to join the Knights.