Bold headline first: A Cowboys star could miss a key start after a dangerous throw verdict sparks controversy. And this is the part most people miss: it could reshape North Queensland’s season before it even begins. Here’s what happened, explained clearly for newcomers.
The North Queensland Cowboys’ centre Zac Laybutt is set to be ruled out of the Las Vegas NRL season opener following a dangerous-throw charge from a recent pre-season trial. Laybutt was sent to the sin-bin in the first half after toppling Panthers playmaker Keahn Skipps with a high-risk tackle.
On Saturday morning, the judiciary charged Laybutt with a grade-two dangerous-throw offence. That means, even if he pleads guilty early, he will miss two matches. This ban lands at a critical moment for the Cowboys, who head into their season opener versus Newcastle with coach Todd Payten’s position under scrutiny.
Laybutt, 24, spent most of last season at centre and was expected to begin the year there again. His suspension could force the Cowboys to recall Tom Chester straight back into first grade from an ACL recovery, rather than easing him back through the Queensland Cup. Alternatively, the team might push Jaxon Purdue into the starting centre role from the outset.
Cowboys leadership now faces a choice: pair Purdue at centre with Jake Clifford or Tom Dearden in the halves, or keep Clifford in the No. 6 jersey after two strong pre-season trial wins. Purdue showed versatility in Friday night’s trial, lining up at centre and five-eighth and contributing two assists while scoring one himself against the Panthers. His impact across multiple positions suggests he could be a valuable asset wherever he’s used, keeping the Cowboys’ options open as they prepare for the new season.
