NRL contract news: Jake Clifford to return to North Queensland Cowboys in 2024
Jake Clifford will return to the North Queensland Cowboys next season after signing a deal with the club where he first made his name after progressing through their academy system.
The playmaker departed from the Cowboys mid-way through the 2021 campaign in order to join the Knights before he made the move to Hull FC in the UK Super League this year.
Clifford will now return to Aussie shores after signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys who have moved to strengthen the depth in their halves.
“With Ben Hampton leaving our squad in 2024 we were searching for a half with NRL experience who could back-up Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden as well as help to mentor Tom Duffy,” North Queensland’s General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
The 25-year-old debuted for the Cowboys in 2018 and went on to feature 42 times for the club before his exit after falling down the pecking order behind Townsend and Dearden.
“He was playing some of the best football of his career under Todd [Payten] before he left in 2021 and we’re excited about what he can bring to our squad in terms of experience and competition for spots,” Luck continued.
Despite enjoying an impressive season for Hull FC, where he has been the Black and Whites’ best player, Luck revealed the playmaker made it known he was keen to return to Australia as soon as possible after initially signing a two-year deal with the English side.
“It came to our attention Jake potentially had an interest in coming back,” he said.
“We had some discussions with Jake and his agent and we were thrilled to be able to come to terms in quick time.
“We know he is a great cultural fit and it’s always a bonus to be able to bring a North Queensland boy home.”
