Former Cowboy Jake Clifford could be on his way back to North Queensland after a spell in the UK. -AAP Image
No formal paperwork has been signed, but North Queensland are "hopeful" a deal can be struck with former playmaker Jake Clifford from 2024 onwards.
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Clifford, 25, has appeared 17 times this year for Hull FC in the English Super League after making the move from Newcastle at the end of 2022.
He departed the NRL following 25 appearances for the Knights between 2021-2022 and 42 for the Cowboys, his maiden club, beginning in 2018.
North Queensland general manager of football Micheal Luck says it would be great if Clifford returned to his home club, but news out of the UK that Clifford had signed back in Australia were off the mark.
"I enjoyed reading that because it makes me think that we're in pretty good position if the reports are true that he's told his teammates, but it's not. It's a little premature yet," Luck told AAP.
"We're really hopeful we'll get a deal done with Cliffo because we need a depth half (for 2024).
"Guys that have played 60 first grade games don't come thick and fast at you, so we're really hopeful."
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