The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a four-year contract extension with Jaxon Purdue, running through the end of the 2030 NRL season.
Born and bred in Mackay, Purdue was identified later in his schoolboy career, signing with the club on an Elite Emerging contract in Year 11 in 2022. He would quickly emerge as one of the most elite talents to come through the Cowboys Academy Programs in the past decade.
After starring at schoolboy level for St Patrick’s Mackay, including leading the school to an Aaron Payne Cup title in 2023, Purdue would make his NRL debut less than a year later as an 18-year-old in 2024.
A Queensland Schoolboys halfback and Queensland Under 19s fullback, Purdue has made his mark at NRL level at centre.
In 37 games at NRL level, Purdue has scored 20 tries, including four in five games to start 2026.
“This club was built to ensure North Queensland kids, like Jaxon Purdue could stay at home while fulfilling their dreams to play in the NRL. As a club we have repeated that sentiment often over the course of our history, but it is especially important today with Jaxon agreeing to a long-term contract extension,” Cowboys Football Club CEO Micheal Luck said.
“It became evident late in his time at St Pat’s that Jaxon was a high-end talent, but we were all taken by surprise just how quickly he would make his mark on the NRL.
“Jaxon is already one of the better centres in the competition, a position he didn’t play until he reached the NRL.
“His versatility is an enormous asset to our club moving forward. Aside from being an elite centre, he was one of the best schoolboys halves in Queensland and has shown he has the ability to be a high level fullback.
“Off the field, he is a terrific young man, which is a testament to his parents Jamie and Miranda.
“We are thrilled he has decided to commit to our club long-term.”
Purdue said he was ecstatic to continue to wear the jersey of the club he supported as a kid in Mackay.
“I have always loved this club. I grew up supporting the Cowboys and to be able to put on the jersey each week is special to me and my family,” he said.
“We have a great playing group here and the I love the way the coaching staff connect with the players, they have been a huge help to myself and all the younger players in the squad.
“I really believe we are set up for success now and into the future.
“I love living in North Queensland, this is home. I am still able to see my best mates and family regularly, which makes me happy and when I’m happy, I’m playing my best footy.
“The Cowboys members and fans are like no other in the NRL and are another huge reason why I love playing for this club.”
