A former Hull FC man has confirmed his playing future, snubbing Super League and inking a new deal in the NRL.

Jake Clifford came to Super League in 2023 and impressed in a very poor Hull FC team, however, he left just one year into a two-year deal.

Having signed from Newcastle Knights, Clifford returned to his boyhood club North Queensland Cowboys for the 2024 campaign. He played eight games that year and has gone on to play ten this season, scoring four tries so far in 2025.

Off-contract at the end of this season, it’s now been confirmed that Clifford has re-signed with the Cowboys and will play on in Townsville for the 2026 season.

It’s a big blow for a number of half-back-needy teams in Super League with Clifford viewed as a perfect candidate for a number of sides given his proven record at Hull FC and the fact he is still only 27.

Ex-Hull FC man Jake Clifford inks new NRL deal

Clifford had previously outlined his intent to remain in the NRL and that’s now been confirmed with the Cowboys announcing his new deal in a club statement.

It read: “The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year contract extension with homegrown half Jake Clifford for the 2026 NRL season.

“Clifford made his NRL debut for the Cowboys in 2018 and departed mid-way through the 2021 season for the Newcastle Knights.

“After a season in the UK Super League with Hull FC in 2023, Clifford returned home in 2024 and played a key role in the club’s charge to the finals.

“He has appeared in 10 games in 2025, scoring four tries, including a memorable double to lead the Cowboys to victory over the Raiders in Round 4.”

The Cowboys’ General Manager of Football Michael Luck said: “It is a tribute to Jake’s attitude and persistence that he has been able to come back to the club and compete for a spot and now when fit, he is in our best 17.

“Jake has one of the bigger boots in the NRL, he is a dangerous runner of the football and he is a strong defender.

“Jake is a proud North Queenslander with a young family and indicated his preference was to stay at home. We look forward to his contributions for the rest of this season and beyond.”