Fullback gig may be key to Cowboys keeping Purdue another two years

The Cowboys have sat down with boom young gun Jaxon Purdue to convince him to sign a two-year contract extension, which may involve him also getting a chance to play fullback over Scott Drinkwater sometime before 2028.

Purdue has long been considered among the future backline stars in North Queensland, with the club eager to keep him for the length of his career. The 20-year-old has already played 33 games in the NRL, mostly at centre and five-eighth, and he’s quite the versatile star and could eventually take the number one mantle as Drinkwater ages out of the role.

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There’s every indication that Purdue wants to sign the two-year extension, especially because he’s a Mackay boy. He’s been in the free agency pool since November 1 last year, though, and the Melbourne Storm have knocked on the door several times to see if he’s interested in a southern move. The Sporting Base understands they’re his two main options. St George Illawarra has also made contact, but nothing formal’s been offered there, and Shane Flanagan may not see a spot for the 20-year-old in the squad.

Drinkwater is contracted until the end of the 2027 NRL season, but is reportedly on the outer at the Queensland club and unlikely to be re-signed beyond his current deal. Purdue may like the idea of replacing him at no.1 after two years studying under him.

Even more interestingly, Cowboys fans actually got a look into one possible future in Las Vegas, with Purdue filling in for “Drinky” for some 12 minutes against the Knights while the latter was having a painkilling injection on a rib injury.

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“I did like fullback,” Purdue said after the 28-18 loss. “I just felt a bit freer and more comfortable in a way, I guess. It was fun. I enjoyed getting my hands on the ball and having a bit of space. But I can do that at centre, too. I just have to get in the game a bit more. I played Queensland under-19s at fullback, but I don’t really have too much experience there.

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“I like being free with the football, and that’s probably the best part of my game. At fullback, I can unleash that better. If he is no good, I’ll be happy to fill in at fullback. I’d be comfortable if Toddy [Payten, coach] selects me there.”