Liam Sutton will make his NRL debut for North Queensland Cowboys at Magic Round this weekend, replacing injured Origin playmaker Tom Dearden. The 23-year-old has been named in the No.6 jersey and will partner halfback Jake Clifford against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Sutton's path to the NRL began with a memorable performance for Macquarie in the Newcastle Rugby League almost exactly 12 months ago. Playing just one game for the Scorpions, he scored a try and set up two others to lead a 22-20 comeback victory over Lakes at Lyall Peacock Field.
Macquarie coach Jye Bayley recalled Sutton's impact: 'Put him on at fullback in the second half and he was so dominant. If he didn't bag a hat-trick, set up at least two and scored another one himself. We were down by 12 or 14 points at half-time, but he turned the whole game on its head.'
After that game, Sutton signed to play Queensland Cup with Wynnum-Manly. He later earned a development deal with the Cowboys, impressed in pre-season, and has now been called up after Dearden's injury. Cowboys coach Todd Payten said: 'He has had to work really hard. He has been at a couple of clubs and spat out the back. Big body, kicks well and got a good running game.'
