Cowboys Land Rising Roosters Talent as Broncos Snare Young Halfback
The North Queensland Cowboys have strengthened their backline depth by securing one of the Sydney Roosters’ brightest young prospects, while the Brisbane Broncos have capitalised on the halves squeeze in Townsville to sign playmaker Tom Duffy for 2026.
Emerging outside back Ethan King will join the Cowboys in 2026, with the 22-year-old returning to North Queensland where he spent much of his junior career.
King made his NRL debut in Round 18 last year but has found opportunities limited behind the Roosters’ star-studded backline, most recently named 18th man for their clash with Parramatta.
Eager to restart his career, King says the chance to head home was too good to ignore.
“I’m very excited about the move,” King said. “From the outside it looks like a great club, and I’m really keen to get up there, put my best foot forward and try to crack that side. They probably haven’t had the best year, but the squad is strong and they play a great style of footy.”
While King sees fullback as his best position, he knows opportunities may come elsewhere given Scott Drinkwater’s lock on the No.1 jersey. He looms as a potential replacement for centre Semi Valemei, who is being linked to a move to the English Super League.
“Fullback is where I think I can have the biggest impact, but at the end of the day, if I’m playing NRL I won’t be complaining. Wing, centre—it doesn’t matter. I just love playing footy.”
Broncos Sign Duffy on One-Year Deal
Meanwhile, the Broncos have swooped on Tom Duffy, luring the Queensland Cup’s 2024 Halfback of the Year south on a one-year deal. The Cowboys had hoped to retain the 22-year-old, but the re-signing of Jake Clifford has squeezed him out of the halves rotation alongside skipper Tom Dearden.
Duffy, who started the season as the Cowboys’ No.7 while Clifford was sidelined, says he is relishing the chance to learn from veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt in Brisbane.
“It’s really appealing having two 300-game halfbacks in Reynolds and Hunt to learn from,” Duffy said. “I can see what Michael Maguire is building at the Broncos—it feels special—and I want to be part of it. I know I’ve got a long way to go as a halfback, but I want to keep developing, earn the respect of the boys and coaches, and push towards my ceiling.”
Broncos GM of Football Troy Thomson said the club was thrilled to secure Duffy’s signature.
“It’s the perfect time for him to come down and learn off Reyno and Hunty, who will help shape his career. We’re excited to welcome him into the Broncos family and support him in reaching his potential.”
