Cowboys expected to retain Clifford

JAKE Clifford will suit up for day one of pre-season at the Cowboys.

That is the word out of the club as they contend with the rising playmaker asking for an early release from his contract.

Clifford was signed to a one-year extension last offseason, keeping him at the Cowboys until the end of 2021, and it is understood the club and new coach Todd Payten are adamant he will honour that deal.

Clifford is welcome to negotiate a future contract with another club from this week, but it is expected he will be training in Townsville this summer. The Cowboys revealed its extended squad which has been all-but finalised based on 30man top squad and four development players, which is the formula the NRL is expected to adopt after negotiations with the Rugby League Players Association.

Cowboys speedster Hamiso Tabuai-fidow has been promoted to the top squad as well as fellow 2020 debutants Daejarn Asi and Ben Condon.

Young forward Wiremu Greig has also been rewarded for his efforts off the field in training while Tuki Simpkins agreed to stay on with the Cowboys to continue his development in an NRL system.

Clifford was named in the squad, and despite rumours linking the 22-year-old with a move to Newcastle to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves, it is believed that he will stay in North Queensland.

It is understood the Cowboys privately believe Clifford would thrive under new coach Payten.

Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck said: “Clifford is on contract with us and we want him at this club.”