The Johnathan Thurston succession plan is in place.

Not only is North Queensland coach Paul Green tied up but the next generation of playmaker at the Cowboys has also been secured.

His name is Jake Clifford.

Scribble it down somewhere for safe keeping.

Round 20

He could well pop up on the NRL scene soon.

Cowboys officials confirmed to foxsports.com.au the little general has extended his contract until the end of 2020.

According to former Newcastle recruiter Alex McKinnon, Clifford is the pick of the halves climbing the ladder to first grade.

Michael Morgan, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess and Jake Clifford. Source: AAP

While smaller in stature, McKinnon said the 2017 Dally M NYC player of the year shares a lot of similar traits to that of Gold Coast livewire Ashley Taylor.

“He’s very similar to an Ash Taylor,” McKinnon said.

“He plays on the footy and has a good kick. I like the look of him.

“He’s a good shape. He’s a big kid. Ash Taylor was similar to him as a kid. It’s good to think where he can get to.”

Having recently re-signed Michael Morgan until the end of 2023, fellow playmaker Te Maire Martin comes off-contract next with the Cowboys halves filled with competition.

It was this competition which threatened to possibly rip Clifford away from the Cowboys before they struck a new deal.

Jake Clifford playing Queensland Cup. Source: News Corp Australia

Having watched the 20-year-old climb the junior ranks, McKinnon had tipped rival NRL clubs to come courting Clifford should he fail to get a look-in at the Cowboys.

Part of the Cowboys’ top squad after graduating from the NYC, Clifford has spent 2018 wearing the No.7 alongside Todd Carney for the Northern Pride.

“He’s a great half. The Cowboys are stacked in the halves,” McKinnon said.

“You need to look at the clubs who are really successful because they have good systems and usually they’re backed up a bit because there’s no free flowing movement into grade

“Usually when a team is consistent, they have a consistent halves base.

“If you’re a good club, you usually develop your halves underneath so as you can clearly see, Jake Clifford is behind (Johnathan) Thurston and (Michael) Morgan and Te Maire (Martin) is there as well.”

Jake Clifford scores during an NRL trial. Source: News Corp Australia

Having started the season in the Queensland Cup in fine form, Clifford had a quiet game last week which is part of his development as he adjusts to playing against fully grown men.

Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr said it’s important for the club to take their time with the young gun.

“I think everyone is clear on our club’s views in that we don’t like to push our young players too quickly,” Parr told NRL.com.

“We like to show some patience and let them learn their trade as good as they can before they come into the NRL. He plays in a key position and we hope he forges a long career with us.

“He’s come through our development system at the Northern Pride and into our NYC team where he was the competition’s player of the year in 2017. Jake has stepped up into the Intrust Super Cup this year and acquitted himself well so far.”