The North Queensland Cowboys have re-signed two of their most promising young players, announcing that their starting centre pairing of Zac Laybutt and Viliami Vailea will remain at the club through 2027.
Laybutt, 23, has had an injury-riddled start to his NRL career. He made his return to the side in round 11 off the back of a devastating ACL injury in 2024.
His extension is a show of faith from head coach Todd Payten, who had no hesitation in bringing Laybutt back into the first grade team once he was fit.
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Vailea, 22, arrived from the Warriors prior to the 2024 season and has made a fist of the right-centre position for the Cowboys.
A strong runner of the football, in his 28 appearances for the Cowboys, Vailea has crossed the try line four times.
In the clubs official statement, General Manager of Football Micheal Luck expressed his joy about the signings.
"We are glad to have locked up two young key components of our backline in a period where there is significant competition for talent in the NRL," he said.
"We look forward to Zac and Viliami continuing their development in Cowboys jerseys.
"We got a taste of what Zac was capable of last year before he was injured. He is a classy ball player who could also potentially play in the halves if needed and we believe he will have a long and successful future at our club.
"Viliami has made the right centre spot his own over the past 18 months. He has a great carry out of his own end, reads defence well and has improved his ability to put his winger away."
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With the Perth expansion team joining the competition in 2027, retaining players who are approaching their prime before they enter the market has been a priority across the league.
Both men have a chance to show Cowboys faithful what they are capable of as they make one of the toughest road trips in rugby league this week, heading to AAMI Park to take on the Melbourne Storm.