Mackay rugby league sensation Jaxon Purdue has reached another milestone in his fledgling NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys.
The 18-year-old rookie utility back celebrated his third appearance in the top grade by helping the depleted Cowboys upset premiers Penrith 16-6 last Sunday at Penrith Stadium.
It was a victory to savour for the Queensland Under 19s representative – just weeks after shining on debut in the club’s miraculous win over the Sydney Roosters.
Purdue won’t forget the courageous win over the Panthers in a hurry.
Playing at centre, the former St Patrick’s College Mackay student spent ten minutes in the sin bin before the half time break – then nabbed his first NRL try after a dashing run in the 61st minute to swing the match in the Cowboys favour.
Cheering Jaxon on back home in Mackay were his Cutters’ first-grade teammates, fresh from a heart-breaking 20-12 loss to premiership pacesetters Northern Pride in Hostplus Cup action at Barlow Park in Cairns.
The Cutters led 12-10 inside the final twenty minutes following back-to-back tries after the interval by five eighth Riley Dean and prop Ross Bella that were converted by half back Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu.
But elusive winger Robert Derby stole the show with a spectacular try double in the space of six minutes to seal Northern Pride’s tenth win of the season and keep the club entrenched on the top of the ladder on 24 points with Norths Devils.
Derby capped a huge game with a hat-trick of tries after opening the scoring in the eighth minute before fullback Lachlan West crossed shortly after with half Thomas Duffy adding the extras for a 10-nil lead.
Mackay remains in the finals mix in tenth spot on 16 points and is bent on returning to the winner's list when they tackle the Tweed Seagulls this Saturday at Piggabeen Sports Complex at Tweed Heads from 5pm.
Mackay Cutters action from the 20-12 loss to Northern Pride in Hostplus Cup at Barlow Park in Cairns. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters
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