Pretty surreal: Clifford out to ace his Vegas audition

Jake Clifford knows the stakes.

After a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw him shuffled in and out of the Cowboys’ halves, the experienced playmaker is fighting to reclaim a starting role, and he couldn’t ask for a bigger stage to make his case than Las Vegas.

The Round 1 clash against the Knights at Allegiant Stadium will put the Cowboys under a global spotlight, and Clifford is determined to be the halfback guiding them through it.

Clifford took an important step forward in his audition during last week’s Pre-Season Challenge clash against the Bulldogs, producing a polished 40-minute stint that included three try assists and a reminder of his composed kicking game.

Despite his consistency, last season proved a tough one for Clifford, who found himself on the outside looking in at times as coach Todd Payten searched for the right balance in the halves.

This year, the competition remains just as tough. Clifford is battling alongside young gun Jaxon Purdue, two players with very different skill sets, for the chance to partner the Cowboys’ marquee man, Tom Dearden.

For Clifford, the motivation is clear, especially with the added allure of a first-ever trip to the United States.

“Really exciting,” Clifford told NRL.com.

“A few boys haven’t been to Vegas. Obviously, we’ve got footy to focus on, but it’s going to be a pretty cool experience.

“I’ve never been to America, and to play in a stadium that’s hosted Super Bowls and all that sort of stuff, it’s going to be pretty surreal. I can’t wait to soak it all in.”

Clifford and Purdue were paired in the halves last week but Payten has named Clifford to start at five-eighth alongside Dearden for Saturday's game against the Panthers - a selection that could hint at the coach leaning towards a more experienced combination for the season-opener.

If that pairing sticks, it would see Purdue shift back to the centres, where he enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, scoring 14 tries across his 24 NRL appearances.

For Clifford, the approach remains simple.

“We’re just letting our footy do the talking at the moment,” he said.

“That’s what these trials are for. Whoever Toddy picks at the end of the day, it’s his decision. I’m just backing myself at half.”

His teammates have noticed the difference.

Back-rower Jeremiah Nanai praised Clifford’s pre-season form and the impact he’s already had in limited minutes.

“Jake Clifford has been having a great pre-season,” Nanai told NRL.com.

“What he did last week against the Bulldogs in that 40-minute stint, setting up tries and defending well, that’s what you want."

Nanai also highlighted Purdue’s rise, suggesting the 20-year-old's explosiveness could be best utilised out wide as he continues to grow his game.

“He’s a good player, a good kid, still young and learning,” Nanai said.

“For me personally, I’d like to see him in the centres. Give him more space, you know what he can do out there.”