The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a one-year contract extension with homegrown playmaker Jake Clifford, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2021 season.

The Tully Tigers junior has played 21 NRL games since making his debut late in the 2018 season.

A product of the Cowboys Academy program, Clifford was named NYC Player of the Year in the competition’s final season in 2017.

Along with earning an NRL debut in 2018, Clifford was also named Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year and Cowboys Rookie of the Year.

The 21-year-old played 15 games for the Cowboys in 2019, scoring three tries and booting 18 goals from 26 attempts.

“We’re delighted to keep one of our really good young players at the club,” Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said.

“We wanted to ensure we gave Jake some time to keep developing his game. It’s often difficult for young halves coming into first grade given the pressure on the position they play and we think this extension will allow everyone to be patient while Jake continues to develop his game.

“We have no doubt he will develop into a really top-level NRL halfback and have a long career at the Cowboys.”