Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2026 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series today with the halves, led by superstar Cowboys co-captain, Tom Dearden.
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
>>> Part 2: Outside backs
Tom Dearden (126)
One of the NRL’s premier halves, Dearden enters 2026 on the back of consecutive Paul Bowman Medals as well as the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player in the State of Origin series in 2025. Dearden shifted from five-eighth to halfback mid-way through last season and appears set to don the No.7 again in 2026.
Jake Clifford (89)
In his second stint as a Cowboy, Clifford has fought his way into the side in both 2024 and 2025. The 27-year-old’s booming right boot remains a dangerous asset for the Cowboys whenever Clifford is in the team. He played 14 games in 2025, scoring five tries.
Jaxon Purdue (32)
The electric Mackay product has made his name as a centre in the NRL, but a full-time shift to his junior position in the halves remains a possibility for Purdue. The 20-year-old started eight games at five-eighth in 2025.
Zac Herdegen (0)
Now in his second season as part of the Cowboys’ NRL squad, Herdegen will be looking to nail down a regular starting spot in the Queensland Cup to start the season. Ultra-fit with a strong left-foot kick, Herdegen played 15 games for the Northern Pride in 2025.
Liam Sutton (0)
The 22-year-old has turned heads in his first pre-season at the Cowboys. A rangy five-eighth, Sutton was one of the premier halves in the Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly last season, registering 14 try assists and 10 tries in just 15 games.
