Jaxon Purdue will start in the halves for the first time in his NRL career on Saturday, as North Queensland roll the dice on youth ahead of their clash with the Sea Eagles.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed that Purdue’s shift from centre to five-eighth had been part of the club’s plans for some time, even if the timing of the decision was only locked in recently.
Jake Clifford has been dropped to accommodate the change, with co-captain Tom Dearden sliding into the No.7 jersey.
MORE: North Queensland and Penrith handed breach notices for trainers spraying water on the ball
'Right time to make that decision'
“It was always our long-term plan to have Jaxon as our five-eighth or halfback within the club moving forward,” Payten said in the pre-match press conference. “It was just managing the right time to make that decision. I made the decision the weekend just gone.
“Given that Origin is coming up, I wanted Jaxon to feel comfortable before getting to that period. He’s also playing at home here. He’s also got the best pieces of our puzzle around him.
“So there’s many things taken into consideration for that decision, and I’m really excited about his opportunity.”
The 19-year-old played most of his junior footy at halfback for St Patrick’s College Mackay and had been a centre across his 17 NRL games to date. His move into the halves signals a vote of confidence from the Cowboys’ coaching staff and also opens the door for Zac Laybutt, who returns from a long injury layoff to slot in at centre.
MORE: When are State of Origin 2025 Game I teams announced?
Laybutt hasn’t played first grade since rupturing his ACL in Round 5 but had cemented his place in the squad earlier this year before the setback.
The Sea Eagles comfortably beat North Queensland 42-12 when the sides last met in Round 1, but this time the Cowboys will hope a reshaped spine can turn the tide.