Few jobs in rugby league are more daunting than wearing the North Queensland Cowboys’ No.7 jumper, given the only man to inspire an NRL premiership in it was one of the greatest halfbacks of all time.
But rookie general Tom Duffy has declared he is ready to step into the legendary Johnathan Thurston’s shoes, if chosen, and begin forging his own legacy.
The 20-year-old is locked in a three-way battle to partner Kangaroos five-eighth Tom Dearden in the halves – joined by Jake Clifford, who according to Duffy was battling “a minor strain”, and teenager Jaxon Purdue.
Tom Duffy in action for the North Queensland Cowboys during the 2024 NRL preseason trials.Credit: NRL Photos
While Clifford replaced departing veteran Chad Townsend deep into 2024 – contributing five try assists and winning six games – Duffy has been earmarked as a long-term prospect since his Ignatius Park schoolboy days.
“We’ve had Jonno in here doing a bit of work with us, so I’m just picking his brain and getting little tips off him – where he sets up for his kicks, where he wants to aim and who he wants to target,” Duffy said.
“I play my best when I get back-to-back or triple touches, so whenever I can do that in attacking field position I think I become a bit more of a threat with the ball, and that has a flow on effect to the people around me creating space for them.
“It [wearing Thurston’s jersey] is something I’ve been working to for pretty much my whole life. I’ve got a lot of experience in the last two years, I haven’t missed a game in two seasons, so I’ve got a lot of experience and I think I can take that into the NRL.
“I’m ready.”
Duffy and Purdue are among the Cowboys’ fittest – finishing in the top five in the 1.2-kilometre shuttle run test, as teenage development halfback and Wavell State High product Zac Herdegen set the club record (4:25 minutes).
But Purdue’s versatility could still ensure he features somewhere in the North Queensland line-up.
The 19-year-old played eight games in 2024 at centre and off the bench, showing sharp pace and hard line running to score his first NRL try against the Penrith Panthers.
Zac Laybutt’s recovery from a ruptured ACL, as well as utility Tom Chester suffering the same fate before Christmas, has left a dearth of centre options available – Viliami Vailea and Braidon Burns other candidates.
While Purdue revealed one man was ahead in the halfback battle, he believed his ability to play across the backline would prove an asset.
“I’d have to say Cliffo [is the favourite] from his performances last year, but it makes all of us a better player when there are spots to be competing for,” Purdue said.
“Duffy … his communication is outstanding. He guides the boys around the park really well and just kicks you to death.
“I don’t really mind where I play – if it’s centre, half, fullback, I’m suitable to play anywhere, and I’m happy to play anywhere.”
Jaxon Purdue
“Growing up playing in the halves my whole junior career I’m probably most suited and comfortable to play there, but after playing games last year at centre and fullback I do feel comfortable.”
