Jake Clifford's ears must have been burning when North Queensland coach Paul Green hinted he would be overlooked as the replacement for retired NRL great Johnathan Thurston.
Just days before the Cowboys' pre-season trial against Gold Coast, Green said he was leaning towards fitting the more experienced Te Maire Martin into the halves beside Michael Morgan for the club's Round 1 clash with St George-Illawarra on March 16.
And Martin was a composed playmaker, pushing through two defenders to score a try in the Cowboys' 22-16 win at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday night.
But Clifford brings something else to the table, thumping his fists down emphatically in the selection race with three tries to further complicate Green's selection headache.
"It is (neck and neck)," the Cowboys coach said.
"They both had their moments when they played well and they also both had their moments when they could be better."
A risk averse coach would most likely trust Martin who, at 23, is more experienced than his 21-year-old rival.
Both are opportunistic players, but Martin looks steadier at this stage in their auditions.
Clifford's size, speed and appetite for attacking the line is a tempting package, even if it means wearing the occasional error.
"Getting the balance right is important," Green said.
"They both have different attributes. They're both different players.
"Te Maire's very good at sniffing out an opportunity and he often gets himself in the right spot. Cliffo's probably got a better kicking game so we'll have to weigh it up to get that balance right."
The Cowboys emerged from Saturday's trial with knee injuries to outside backs Kurt Wiltshire, and Murray Taulagi.
Titans coach Garth Brennan has just as many selection headaches as his rival, Green.
Forward Bryce Cartwright's best and worst was on show against the Cowboys.
He created one try but almost conceded another with an ill-conceived behind-the-back pass that was intercepted.
There were, however, some signs of confidence from the backrow contender.
"He was looking for work, and the flick pass - that's Bryce Cartwright - sometimes they come off and sometimes they don't," Brennan said.
"Hopefully he'll be more selective with his passes but he showed signs he wants to get into contact."
Australian Associated Press
