The development has seen the Cowboys pick up one of the Roosters’ most promising young talents
The Brisbane Broncos have taken advantage of the halves situation at North Queensland after signing young playmaker Tom Duffy for next season. While the Cowboys have boosted stocks in their outside backs for 2026 after snapping up emerging Roosters talent Ethan King, in a move that will see the 22-year-old return to North Queensland.
King has struggled to break into the Roosters’ star-studded backline after earning his NRL debut in round 18 last year. He’s been named at 18th man for the the Tri Colours’ clash against Parramatta on Saturday, but says the opportunity to move back to North Queensland where he spent much of his youth, was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I’m very excited (about the move), King said. “It looks like a great club looking in and I’m really keen to get up there and put my best foot forward and try to crack that side. They probably haven’t had the best year this year, but they’ve got a really great squad there and they play a great style of footy.”
King admits his best position is at fullback but with Scott Drinkwater firmly established in the No.1 role at the Cowboys, he could loom as a replacement for centre Semi Valemei, who’s being linked with a move to the English Super League. “I really feel like my best position is fullback. I feel like I can have a good impact on the game when I’m playing fullback,” he added.
“But at the same time, if I’m playing NRL, I’m not complaining at all. I just love playing footy, and if you want to put me on the wing or in the centres, I’m happy either way. Playing NRL’s really all I’m focused on.”
Broncos snap up Cowboys half on one-year deal
Meantime, the Broncos have taken advantage of the halves situation at the Cowboys after snapping up fringe playmaker Duffy on a one-year deal for next season. North Queensland coach Todd Payten revealed recently that the club was keen to keep hold of Duffy, but the recent re-signing of Jake Clifford has forced them to let him go.
Duffy was the Queensland Cup halfback of the year in 2024 and was named as starting half for the Cowboys at the beginning of the season when Clifford was injured. But his rival half has established himself as first-choice alongside skipper Tom Dearden this season, and Duffy says he’s excited for a fresh opportunity to learn from experienced Brisbane halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt in 2026.
“It’s pretty appealing to me having Reynolds and Hunt, two 300 game halfbacks there,” Duffy said. The 22-year-old says he can see that Broncos coach Michael Maguire is building something ‘special’ at the club and he can’t wait to be part of it.
“The work ethic you have to have to succeed down there is high, and I want to strive for that,” he added. “I want to try and earn the respect of the boys and coaching staff and put my best foot forward. I want to keep developing as a halfback, I think I’ve got a long way to go to reach my ceiling yet.”
Broncos general manager of footy Troy Thomson says the club is delighted to have secured Duffy’s services. “It’s the perfect time for him to come down to the Broncos and learn off Reyno (Adam Reynolds) and Hunty (Ben Hunt) who will help shape his career,” he said. “We can’t wait to welcome him to the Broncos family and provide him with the support he needs to fulfil his potential.”
