Despite going down by 18-points in their round 11 matchup with the Sea Eagles, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has put his faith behind Jaxon Purdue and Tom Dearden as long-term solutions in the halves.
Playing five-eighth for the first time this year, Purdue was thrown into the fire against a Manly outfit who were firing defensively.
While the scoreboard didn't favour the Cowboys, in Payten's post-match press conference, he reaffirmed his belief in his new duo going forward.
"They’ll both be better for the run," he said.
"Did I ever think it was going to be 10 out of 10 first week in?
"I’m absolutely certain that this kid is the future of our club in the halves."
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Purdue replaced Jake Clifford in the halves and had an inconsistent 80 minutes. However, his running mate Dearden, who shouldered much of the organisational load at halfback, put his support behind the young number six.
"I’m just getting the team around the park," said Dearden.
"I think the combination with Jacko (Purdue) will certainly grow and I thought he was strong tonight and I think the more reps we get in at training and the more games we get together, the better the combination’s going to be.
"He’s a freak of a player and I think he’s got such great footy instincts and I think that’s what excites you about playing alongside a player like that."
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Both Payten and Dearden are willing to deal with short-term growing pains to unlock the long-term payoff.
Dearden and Purdue are in contention to be called up to the Maroons squad ahead of game one.