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NRL 2026 Four Point Focus: How Will The Cowboys Use Jaxon Purdue?
Jaxon Purdue is still early into his NRL career, but profiles as a major piece of the North Queensland Cowboys attack in 2026.
Jason Oliver
February 17, 2026
The Four Point Focus breaks down a try from every round of the 2025 NRL season, highlighting the context, shape, trigger and the lessons learned. It’s viewed with an eye on 2026 as we look for trends, breakout players and hints of what might be to come next season.
This is an off-season series for Premium subscribers who choose to support my work over the break.
This one is going out for free, but sign up now using this link, and you’ll have full access to everything for 90 days - free of charge - in the lead up to the 2026 NRL season.
Previous:
- Quick Taps On The Up?
- Ponga Guiding The Knights Attack (free)
- Defending Katoa's Deception (free)
- How Souths Use Keaon Koloamatangi On The Line
- The Triangle Leading To Cleary's Curling Grubber
- How The Roosters Exploit Kick Pressure From Marker (free)
- Scrum Play Double Bluff
- How Cleary Recreated That Grand Final Try (free)
- Breaking Down A Raiders Tap Start
- Payne Passing Through The Middle
- Dolphins Breaking Down Spacings On The Goal Line
- How Will The Storm Attack Without Papenhuyzen?
- Can The Dolphins Keep Attacking From Everywhere? (free)
- What Works In The Titans Attack?
- Why Mitchell Is the #1 Option At Fullback
- Why Teams Will Run On Last More (free)
Point 1 - The Context
The North Queensland Cowboys have made regular changes to their halves pairings in recent years. Tom Dearden is the mainstay, but even he jumps between the #6 and #7 jersey.
Thomas Duffy started the 2025 NRL season alongside him and Jake Clifford always finds his way back into frame for selection. Young Jaxon Purdue also found himself move in a spot to play in the halves in Round 11. But after five games in the spine, Purdue moved back out to the centres where he has been his most damaging.
Round 18, in particular, provided a clear picture of what he is capable of with the ball when playing the Melbourne Storm.
Point 2 - The Shape
The shape itself in the buildup to Purdue’s try isn’t anything unusual.
It’s a fairly standard diamond shape almost every team will run from this position.
