LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Brisbane Broncos have secured young playmaker Tom Duffy for the upcoming season, capitalizing on North Queensland's competitive halves situation. In contrast, the Cowboys have strengthened their outside backs for 2026 by signing promising Roosters talent Ethan King, who is set to return to his roots in North Queensland.
King, who made his NRL debut in round 18 last year, has found it challenging to break into the Roosters' illustrious backline. Currently named as the 18th man for the Roosters' match against Parramatta on Saturday, he considers the chance to return to North Queensland an opportunity he couldn't refuse.
"I'm very excited (about the move)," King expressed. "It looks like a great club looking in and I'm really keen to get up there and put my best foot forward and try to crack that side. They probably haven't had the best year this year, but they've got a really great squad there and they play a great style of footy."
While King views his primary position as fullback, he acknowledges the challenge presented by Scott Drinkwater, who firmly holds the No.1 spot at the Cowboys. There's speculation that King may step in as a replacement for centre Semi Valemei, who is rumored to be moving to the English Super League. "I really feel like my best position is fullback. I feel like I can have a good impact on the game when I'm playing fullback," he stated.
"But at the same time, if I'm playing NRL, I'm not complaining at all," King added. "I just love playing footy, and if you want to put me on the wing or in the centres, I'm happy either way. Playing NRL's really all I'm focused on."
Simultaneously, the Broncos have taken advantage of the situation at the Cowboys, signing Duffy on a one-year contract for next season. North Queensland coach Todd Payten recently indicated that the club aimed to retain Duffy, but with the re-signing of Jake Clifford, they had to let him go.
Duffy earned accolades as the Queensland Cup halfback of the year in 2024 and was named the starting half for the Cowboys at the beginning of the season, following Clifford's injury. However, as Clifford established himself alongside skipper Tom Dearden, Duffy now looks forward to the chance to learn from seasoned Brisbane halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt in 2026.