Cowboys’ Purdue hopeful of halves redemption in 2026
Jasper Bruce |
Jaxon Purdue concedes his first stint as an NRL half did not go to plan but is hopeful of a shot at redemption when North Queensland begin to regroup in 2026.
The curtain is coming down on a disappointing campaign for the Cowboys, who spiralled from semi-finalists last year to well out of finals contention in 2025.
A tough middle portion of the season meant they failed to finish a weekend in the top eight after round 14, with Purdue’s move to the halves unable to spark Todd Payten’s side.
The talented 20-year-old had excelled starting his career at centre and was tipped as an outside chance for a State of Origin debut in his first full NRL season.
But the halves were Purdue’s position of preference growing up and coach Payten was intent on giving the local product a chance where he hoped to eventually play at NRL level.
The Cowboys won only one of the eight games Purdue started at five-eighth this season, and he was shifted back to the centres for the final month of the campaign.
“Being thrown in the centre and halves this year, I probably found my feet a bit more in the centres,” Purdue told AAP.
“I guess it was all on me, I didn’t really find my feet in the halves and then he (Payten) trusted me to stay there. I wish I played better there.”
But the baptism of fire has not discouraged Purdue.
Tom Duffy’s impending departure to Brisbane has left North Queensland down an extra halves option for next year, while first-choice playmaker Jake Clifford is uncontracted past 2026.
Purdue is hopeful there will be more time in the halves on the horizon.
“Hopefully in the pre-season I get a few more reps there and get a bit more comfortable, try to find my feet,” he said.
“I always back my ability if I get thrown in there. I’ve played there my whole life. It’s just back to simple stuff that I know. I’ll always be confident if I play there. Hopefully I’ll get another chance.”
The Cowboys’ hot-and-cold season taught Purdue plenty of lessons.
“At the start of the year, we were going well and footy’s the best thing in the world and you’re so happy and so motivated, and then it can switch so easily,” he said.
“We went through a losing period and a tough time. You’ve just got to try find more motivation.
“I guess I’ve really learned you’ve got to enjoy the highs and you’ve got to learn in the lows.”
AAP
