LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The Cowboys have re-signed both Vailea and Laybutt, as reported by cowboys.com.au.
Laybutt, a Bundaberg native and brother of Cowboy No.265 Kyle Laybutt, began with the Cowboys Young Guns program in 2021 before moving up to the NRL squad in 2023.
He made his NRL debut in Round 13 of the 2023 season and quickly established himself in the Cowboys' Round 1 side the following year, scoring three tries in four games.
Unfortunately, an ACL injury in Round 5 cut his season short.
Now 23, he successfully returned to the NRL in Round 11 of the current season and is set to play as the left centre in an upcoming match against the Melbourne Storm.
Vailea, on the other hand, joined the Cowboys from the Warriors ahead of the 2024 season and has rapidly become the team's first-choice right centre.
At just 22 years old, he is in his fifth NRL season and has played in 28 games for the Cowboys over the past season and a half.