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Jaxon Purdue has committed to the Cowboys until 2030, rejecting strong interest from Melbourne and other rivals.

North Queensland Cowboys have secured a key piece of their long-term plans, with rising star Jaxon Purdue rejecting rival interest to sign a four-year extension, a decision that deals a setback to the Melbourne Storm.

Purdue's new deal, reportedly worth $3 million, will keep the 20-year-old at North Queensland until the end of 2030. The Storm were among several clubs pursuing his signature, alongside the Bulldogs and Perth Bears, as they looked to bolster their future spine options.

The young playmaker has featured mainly at five-eighth and centre, but is widely viewed internally as a long-term fullback option. That pathway appears increasingly relevant given ongoing uncertainty around current No.1 Scott Drinkwater, who remains contracted until 2027 but has been linked with a move to the St George Illawarra Dragons.

North Queensland are reportedly open to allowing Drinkwater to explore a long-term deal elsewhere, with the Dragons seeking a successor to Clint Gutherson. Purdue's extension strengthens the Cowboys' succession planning, particularly if a positional shift eventuates.

Speaking this week, Purdue indicated his decision was driven by both football and lifestyle factors. He said remaining with the Cowboys allowed him to stay close to family and maintain strong connections within the club, adding that he believed the current squad and coaching group were well positioned for sustained success.

For Melbourne, the outcome represents another recruitment miss during a period of transition. The club had identified Purdue as a potential long-term option in the halves, particularly with Cameron Munster nearing the latter stages of his career and Tyran Wishart set to depart for Perth.

However, Melbourne's fullback stocks, led by Sua Fa'alogo, may have limited Purdue's opportunities in his preferred role, a factor that appears to have influenced his decision.

The Storm have also missed out on other targets, including Cooper Bai and Zac Lomax, although they have secured Jamayne Isaako and Oryn Keeley for 2027. The squad continues to evolve following the departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet, as well as the upcoming exits of Wishart and Nick Meaney.