The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to one-year contract extensions with half Jake Clifford and outside back Semi Valemei for the 2025 season.
Clifford returned to North Queensland on a one-year deal for 2024 after stints in Newcastle and the UK following his departure from the Cowboys in 2021.
The Tully Tigers junior has produced a sensational season in the Queensland Cup, compiling 17 try assists and eight tries in 14 games, before forcing his way back into Todd Payten’s 17 as first-choice halfback last weekend.
In his first appearance in the Cowboys’ No.7 jersey for more than three years, Clifford registered a try, two try assists and five tackle breaks in the 42-4 victory over the Raiders.
Valemei has scored 10 tries in 13 games for the Cowboys since joining the club mid-season in 2023.
Valemei has made four appearances for North Queensland at NRL level in 2024 and has been at his damaging best for the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup, averaging 144 running metres and scoring four tries in eight games.
“As a club we have been impressed with the way Jake has contributed to our overall program since he has come back from England,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“What he has done on the training field, how he conducts himself in the meeting room and what he’s produced on the field both at Queensland Cup level and at NRL level has been exactly what we hoped he’d bring.
“Another year gives Jake the opportunity to stamp his mark on the squad and be a major contributor to the success of our club.”
Luck said the club were also thrilled to secure Valemei for an extra season.
“We are really happy with the job Semi has done in providing depth and coverage to our outside backs since he came to us from Canberra mid-way through last year,” he said.
“We’re pleased Semi has agreed to stay on for 2025. He provides great competition in a position we have a number of promising young players who will benefit from the influence Semi has both on the training field and in games.”
