LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The North Queensland Cowboys are poised for a tough battle to keep utility player Jaxon Purdue beyond 2026. With his contract expiring at the end of that year, Purdue is expected to attract significant interest when the market opens on November 1.
Showcasing versatility, Purdue can effectively play as a fullback, centre, or five-eighth, and he has stood out in all three positions during what has been a challenging 2025 season for Todd Payten's team. His performance has made him one of the club's key assets.
The 20-year-old, originally from Mackay, has yet to accept a proposed deal from the Cowboys, and the current state of negotiations remains unclear. There is no doubt that he is a top priority for the team based in Townsville. However, according to a News Corp report, the financially robust Melbourne Storm have earmarked him as a target.
The Storm is preparing for an open roster in 2027, especially following the recent exits of players such as Jonah Pezet, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Ryan Papenhuyzen. Furthermore, they face uncertainty regarding the status of Tyran Wishart for the 2027 season. As the current utility for the club, Wishart aspires to secure a spot as a starting five-eighth, a position he is unlikely to claim with Cameron Munster ahead of him.