One of the biggest selection headaches of the pre-season appears to be easing for the North Queensland Cowboys after Jake Clifford delivered a compelling performance in a 34-30 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Clifford, battling Jaxon Purdue for the starting halfback role alongside Tom Dearden, showcased his playmaking ability, setting up three tries and controlling the game with his kicking prowess. The match, a pre-season challenge trial, provided a crucial audition for both players as coach Todd Payten weighs his options ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
“They are different styles of players, but they both are playing to their strengths, and we saw that today,” Dearden said following the match, as reported by Fox League coverage. “I thought they both had a really strong trial leading into next week’s one, and it’s going to be a headache for the coach.”
The Cowboys’ victory wasn’t solely about the halves battle. The return of Heilum Luki from a devastating ACL injury provided an immediate boost. Luki scored a try just five minutes into the game, demonstrating the impact he’s expected to have after missing the entirety of the 2025 season. His combination with Clifford on the right edge proved particularly effective, with Robert Derby adding a first-half double.
The Bulldogs, while ultimately falling short, showed flashes of potential. A late surge in the second half, fueled by a weight of possession, brought them within striking distance, but the Cowboys held on for the win. Aaymon Fitzgibbon, son of Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, also impressed, scoring a try and demonstrating promising potential.
For the Bulldogs, the trial offered a look at some of their emerging talent. Taye Cochrane, at fullback, ran for a team-high 133 metres and broke the line twice, showcasing his attacking capabilities. Gordon Chan Kum Tong, a hooker looking to revive his career with the club, saw game time but had limited impact.
The match also marked the return of Ryan Couchman for the Dragons, who was sidelined for the majority of 2025 with an ACL injury. While not directly involved in this game, his recovery is a positive sign for the club.
The Cowboys’ attack was on full display, but defensive concerns remain. They conceded a significant number of points to a Bulldogs side missing key players, a pattern that plagued them throughout the 2025 season. Addressing these defensive vulnerabilities will be a priority for Payten as the season approaches.
The pre-season challenge also provided a glimpse into potential team combinations. The connection between Clifford and Luki, along with Derby’s strong performance on the wing, suggests a potent attacking threat for the Cowboys. For the Bulldogs, the development of players like Fitzgibbon and Cochrane offers hope for the future.
The Bulldogs’ second-half comeback highlighted the potential impact of the new kick-off rules, which give teams the opportunity to receive the ball after conceding. The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on this advantage, gaining possession and mounting a sustained attack. However, the NRL has since backed down from giving teams the choice to receive the ball if they concede.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will be looking to build on this victory and refine their combinations. The battle between Clifford and Purdue for the halfback spot will continue, with Payten facing a difficult decision as the season draws closer. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will aim to build on their promising performances and develop their young talent.
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
