Jake Clifford Steers Cowboys Towards Promising 2026 Season
North Queensland Cowboys halfback Jake Clifford delivered a compelling performance in a 34-30 pre-season trial victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, solidifying his position as the likely partner for Tom Dearden in the halves for the 2026 NRL season. The match, played on Saturday, showcased Clifford’s playmaking ability and control, leaving coach Todd Payten with a significant selection boost ahead of the Las Vegas season opener against Newcastle.
Clifford’s Commanding Performance
Clifford’s impact was immediate, setting up three tries and demonstrating a strong kicking game. Whereas Jaxon Purdue also showed promise, Clifford’s dominance in the first half suggests he’s poised to take the reins as the primary playmaker. Dearden acknowledged the strong performances of both players, noting the challenge Payten faces in making the final decision.
The Return of Heilum Luki
The Cowboys’ victory wasn’t solely about the halves battle. The return of Heilum Luki from a serious ACL injury provided a significant boost. Luki scored a attempt within the first five minutes, demonstrating his immediate impact after missing the entire 2025 season. His combination with Clifford on the right edge proved particularly effective, with Robert Derby adding a first-half double.
Bulldogs’ Emerging Talent
Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showcased promising talent. Aaymon Fitzgibbon, son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, impressed with a second-half try, demonstrating potential for future impact. Taye Cochrane also stood out, running for 133 metres and breaking the line twice, earning praise from club officials.
Selection Battles and Team Dynamics
The pre-season trial provided valuable insights into team dynamics and potential combinations. Purdue, while capable, may find himself shifting to left centre if Clifford secures the halfback position. The Cowboys also saw strong performances from ex-Parramatta forward Wiremu Greig, while the Bulldogs featured Sam Hughes, Fletcher Baker and Lipoi Hopoi.
Rule Changes and Game Momentum
The match also highlighted the potential impact of recent rule changes. The Bulldogs’ late surge in the second half, fueled by consistent possession from kick-offs, underscored the debate surrounding the kick-off rule and the NRL’s recent decision to maintain the existing system.
FAQ
Q: Who is likely to start at halfback for the Cowboys in the season opener?
A: Based on his pre-season performance, Jake Clifford is the frontrunner to partner Tom Dearden in the halves.
Q: What impact did Heilum Luki have on the game?
A: Luki scored a try in his first game back from a significant knee injury and formed a strong combination with Clifford on the right edge.
Q: Who impressed for the Bulldogs?
A: Aaymon Fitzgibbon and Taye Cochrane both showcased promising potential for the Bulldogs.
Pro Tip
Pre-season trials are crucial for evaluating player combinations and identifying areas for improvement before the start of the regular season. Coaches often use these matches to experiment with different strategies and lineups.
Relive all the action in the blog below! Can’t observe it? Click here!
Teams:
Bulldogs: 1. Taye Cochrane 2. Cooper Toy 3. Sosaia Alatini 4. Jed Reardon 5. Jonathan Sua 6. Joseph Teaupa 7. Alex Conti 14. Fletcher Baker 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Alekolasimi Jones 12. Logan Spinks 13. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Zyon Maiu’u 17. Aaymon Fitzgibbon 19. Jack Underhill 20. Raymond Puru 21. Hamish Wilson 22. Jope Rauqe 23. Michael Nassar 24. Bud Smith 25. Bailey Myers
Cowboys: 1. Mason Barber 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Liam Sutton 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Xavier Kerrisk 10. Thomas Mikaele 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Zac Herdegen 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Mason Kira 17. Matthew Watts 18. Creedence Toia 19. Ronald Philitoga 20. Maddox Goodwin 21. Wiremu Greig 22. Tyler Moriarty 23. Joseph Doyle 24. Isaiah Latu
