I'll keep putting my hand up as long as Todd needs me: Sutton

Cowboys debutant Liam Sutton is ready to put the euphoria of Magic Round to one side and focus on doing a job for his team through the testing Origin period.

The 23-year-old savoured a special moment in front of family and friends as the Cowboys shocked the Roosters but his attention has quickly turned to facing the Rabbitohs on home soil in Townsville.

“I just hope I keep performing whenever I get my chance,” Sutton said.

“If I do that, I’ll be proud of myself. If I be there for the time that Tommy’s out then I’ll be happy.

"And if I get called on again, and I’m in the team, I’ll put my hand up and know I’ll do a job because we got it done against the red-hot Roosters.”

Getting it done against the Roosters to the tune of 18-12 solidified the Cowboys' position inside the eight and gave Sutton the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream.

Sutton joined the Cowboys on a development deal at the start of pre-season after embarking on a winding journey from rugby league nursery St Gregory's College Campbelltown to Newcastle Knights, Wynnum Manly Seagulls and eventually Townsville. 

He has chased his dream of playing in the NRL up the east coast and finally realised it at Magic Round, with 46 family members and friends travelling up from Sydney to support him.

"I started in south-west Sydney, then moved to Newcastle and spent four years there. Mum, Dad, my partner Erin and my brothers all moved up there," he said.

"Then about 12 months ago I moved to Wynnum, and Erin followed me again. Now I’m up in Townsville and she’s here with me too. 

“I keep moving further and further away from Mum and Dad, but they’ve been with me through all the highs and lows.

“I found out (about my debut) on Monday, told my family and friends Tuesday, and they didn’t hesitate - even with flights around $700. I had to make sure I got tickets. Originally I had 30 and had to go back and ask for more.

“After the game, walking over to my family and friends, I’ll cherish that forever. They were all screaming. To have a moment like this with them, I’ll remember that forever.”

Stepping into the sizeable boots of Maroons star Tom Dearden was never going to be an easy task and Sutton admitted to being hit by nerves as he entered The Cauldron.

“During the build-up I was pretty calm. When I was getting ready, putting the clothes on, and then got on the bus, I was like, ‘Oh no’, it started hitting me," Sutton said.

"We drove under Suncorp and that was just a dream come true. Once we got into the warm-up, the boys backing me and I calmed down a bit. But that run-out was crazy - lights flashing and everything.

“It was everything I thought it would be and more. This season, there’s been so many points scored. To have an 18-12 scoreline, go down to 12 men for 20 minutes, and to hang on like that… I’ll remember that forever.”

Sutton said learning from Dearden and Jake Clifford had been instrumental in getting him to this point.

“Through pre-season and the first four rounds I was in the squad, me, Cliff and Tommy were working together a fair bit," he said.

“They’ve just told me to back myself, be confident, and stick to my strengths - run the ball, make my tackles, and bring plenty of energy.

“Now that Tommy’s out and I’ve got my opportunity, I just want to make sure I put my hand up and be ready and put in performances like that while he’s not there. Make sure I do my job for the boys.”

Cowboys coach Todd Payten was full of praise for the manner in which the debutant handled such a high-pressure environment.

“I was really impressed with Sutto pretty early on when he got to the club. I didn’t see much of him last year, so credit to our recruitment team - they did a great job bringing him in," Payten said.

“He fits what we’re about - big body, highly skilled, elite fit, and he’s had to do it the long way round. I like that kind of story.

“Similar to a lot of guys who kick on and play a lot of NRL football, he’s had some life lessons. He was a highly touted junior… wouldn’t say he got spat out the back door by Newcastle, but it didn’t work out for him.

"He’s had to come back through Queensland Cup. He earnt everything he got today. Really happy for him and his family.”