'Not the best thing for him': Todd Payten pours cold water over young gun's State of Origin hopes

Todd Payten has poured cold water over Jaxon Purdue's hopes of a State of Origin debut, questioning whether it would be "the right thing" for the teenager.

Purdue has been in brilliant form this season for the Cowboys and was at his best again in his side's 30-30 draw with the Panthers.

The 19-year-old finished with two linebreak assists, one try assist and 193 run metres in a dramatic golden-point clash against the reigning premiers.

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The young centre, who came through the lower grades as a half but has been shifted out wide early in his NRL career, has earned high praise from many within the game.

At the top of the list of the Purdue fan club is current Queensland coach Billy Slater, who believes the Mackay product has the makings of a future representative player.

However, when quizzed on Purdue's chances of a debut in this month's Origin opener, Payten erred on the side of caution when it came to the freakish youngster.

"He'll play Origin one day, I promise you – but throwing him right at the moment is probably not the best thing for him long-term," the Cowboys coach said.

"He's got so much ability and I hope he takes him in. I've heard through the grapevine that he's considering bringing him into a camp across the three games.

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"That's probably the right way to do it.

"Is he ready for Origin right now? I can't answer that, but he'd do a good job."

Cowboys skipper Tom Dearden, who is a Maroons incumbent, said his teammate was a "true Queenslander" but didn't delve any further into his selection chances.

Purdue has scored seven tries in eight appearances this season for North Queensland, who sit in fifth spot after Saturday night's thriller.