Clifford's return boosts Cowboys in dominant win over Raiders, securing likely spot in finals.
Jake Clifford made a stunning NRL return to lead North Queensland to a 42-4 defeat of Canberra that all but ensures the Cowboys a place in the finals.
Clifford was recalled for his first match in 11 weeks after North Queensland coach Todd Payten dropped veteran halfback Chad Townsend and made an immediate impact, scoring a try and laying on three others.
He also ran a team high 202m with the ball and combined seamlessly with star five-eighth Tom Dearden, hooker Reece Robson and fullback Scott Drinkwater.