Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2024 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the halves, headlined by incumbents Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
Chad Townsend (242)
Closing in on 250 career experiences, Townsend has been a model of consistency during his two years at the Cowboys, appearing in every game across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Townsend finished with 12 try assists in 2023 and led the NRL with five field goals.
Tom Dearden (80)
The Mackay product has emerged as one of the NRL’s top young playmakers over the past two seasons. A part of the Maroons squad throughout the Origin series, Dearden was selected for the Prime Minister’s XIII to take on PNG in September. Locked into the No.6 jersey, Dearden shapes as one of North Queensland’s most influential players for 2024.
Jake Clifford (67)
Tully’s favourite son returns to his home club on a one-year deal for 2024. Clifford appeared in 42 games for the Cowboys before departing mid-way through 2021 for the Knights. The 25-year-old spent the 2023 season with Hull FC in the UK Super League.
Tom Duffy (0)
A born and bred Townsville product, Duffy has been promoted to the Cowboys’ Top 30 for 2024. A former Australian Schoolboy, Duffy appeared in 20 Queensland Cup games in his maiden season of senior rugby league, registering 10 try assists. The 20-year-old signed a contract extension mid-season, running through the 2025 season.
