Can Purdue succeed at fullback?

Chad Townsend has spoken boldly on the role that Jaxon Purdue can have as fullback for the Cowboys.

Making his debut in 2024, Purdue became a regular in North Queensland's squad throughout 2025 in the centres and at five-eighth, where he scored a team-high of 14 tries.

Having now secured his future with his boyhood club until 2030, the 20-year-old is expected to become the club’s long-term option at fullback after allowing Scott Drinkwater to negotiate with rival clubs ahead of November 1.

Speaking on SEN's Kick Off about Purdue's potential positional switch, Townsend believes he is capable of succeeding in the role.

"(Jaxon) Purdue is a young superstar," he explained.

"He's got Queensland Origin and, in my opinion, an Australian representative written all over him.

“He went to fullback for about 10 minutes in Round 1 in Las Vegas when Drinkwater went off with his rib injury to get a needle, and I thought he looked really good.

“The best thing about Jaxon Purdue is his running game.

“He can beat defenders, he's got great speed, great acceleration.

“They tried him in the halves last year, and it coincided when the Cowboys had their worst period.

“He grew up playing as a half, but I think now we've seen him do his best work in the NRL so far at the centre position.

“I also think that can correlate to the fullback role where you look at Kaeo Weekes yesterday, his performance as a ball runner in open space and beating people one on one.

“I think Jaxon Purdue is that type of player.”

North Queensland will kickstart Round 7 when they host Manly at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 7pm AEST on SEN’s radio network and on the SEN app.

Kick-off takes place at 7:50pm.