After claiming both the 2018 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year awards, 2019 shaped as a huge year for Jake Clifford.

The 21-year-old began the year in reserve grade, but earned a call up to the NRL and Round 3 and remained in the top grade for the majority of the season.

Clifford emerged as a huge attacking threat for the Cowboys, especially running the football deep inside opponent’s half.

The Tully product enjoyed a number of brilliant individual performances, none better than his man of the match effort in a huge upset of the Roosters in Round 17.

Clifford scored the opening try of the game in the 15th minute, kicked a crucial conversion to tie the game in the 70th minute and then booted the match-winning field goal two minutes from full time.

An ankle injury sidelined the young half for the final three weeks of the season, but he is expected to be fully fit for the start of pre-season in November.

2019 stats:

Games: 15

Tries: 3

Goals: 18

Try assists: 2

Average tackle breaks: 2

Average tackles: 16