Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says they have clear priorities to bolster their NRL roster after half Tom Dearden’s signing with North Queensland was confirmed.
North Queensland have all-but sorted their NRL halves pairing for next year with the signing of Brisbane’s Tom Dearden.
The 20-year-old Dearden joins experienced Cronulla No.7 Chad Townsend in heading to Townsville for the 2022 campaign and worryingly for the Broncos is another young talent to depart Red Hill.
Both Dearden and Townsend have signed three-year deals with the Cowboys as coach Todd Payten’s revamp of their squad continues.
“Tom organises his team with great maturity… he’s a strong runner, he kicks well and he gets his body in front as a defender,” Payten said.
“He played first grade at 18, so it’s clear he has an abundance of ability and he’s been the stand=out half in his age group coming through the grades.
“On top of that he is a North Queensland kid, who is a really good person that is going to add significant value to our roster.”
Dearden has played 22 NRL games over the course of three seasons for Brisbane but has not been able to nail down a regular place in their starting side.
He joins a growing list of young players choosing to exit Brisbane after David Fifita (Gold Coast) and Reece Walsh (Warriors) departed in the past six months while Harry Grant (Melbourne) and Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters) were also part of Brisbane’s nursery.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters said Dearden’s departure was disappointing but they “have clear priorities on who we are targeting to strengthen our roster going forward”.
After four losses to start 2021, North Queensland have experienced a recent run of form notching three consecutive wins under Payten – in his first season at the club.
Ben Hampton and Scott Drinkwater have showed signs of promise in the playmaking roles.
However, the off-contract Drinkwater has this year to prove his worth if he wants to compete for the No.6 jersey when Townsend and Dearden arrive.
The Cowboys have been linked to a number of off-contract halves in recent months to fill the void left by the recently-retired captain Michael Morgan, and impending exit of Jake Clifford, who will join Newcastle at the completion of this NRL campaign.
Rob
Guest
Another bonus is two players for the price of a broken one. Cowboys did have a lot of money on 3 players. Now it’s only 2.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Named to start this week
matth
Roar Guru
Nor Brett Seymour
Albo
Roar Rookie
South Bank beach ?
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
These media guys certainly have a way with words. " Pinched" is a little bit over the top. He's signed with the cowboys . It's no big deal losing him. But like all boards they will say he has been a great player for the club and wish him well.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Rob, I don't have a problem with recruiting Deardon. I really like bringing the NQ boys home. He 's very young and has a lot of improvement in him and he does back up as you say. I get Townsend too but I really worry about combinations. Townsend / Drinkwater , well we will concede 25 points or more with that combo. Townsend / Deardon just has no strike. Not enough threat for mine. Deardon / Drinkwater may be the best combo but then why get Townsend at all. I have some faith in Payten so I am happy to let it play out but I am concerned that we are just grabbing who's available not waiting for the right ONE.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Or gets out of bed
Tom G
Roar Rookie
You have to know by now that Manly fans sense of humour took a hammering early this season and didn’t come back until three weeks ago. We are a jittery bunch, we squirm awkwardly every time our fullback gets tackled right now ;
Emcie
Roar Guru
Mate, I'm tr0lling. Thought "development contract" would give it away :silly:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
To be honest, if he were to free up 1.2millon from the Manly salary cap it seriously wouldn’t phase me.. he’s 32 after all. Just can’t see the logic in another club shelling out that much but happy to be convinced otherwise. One thing is true however.. it won’t be homesickness that drove the decision
Emcie
Roar Guru
Don't shoot the messenger
Paul
Roar Guru
might not ever happen, in which case you're right, good coin for a nobody :happy:
Rob
Guest
Your opinion is the same as Phil Rothfield on Townsend and Dearden. That’ll do me as a ring endorsement they’re onto a good thing. Rothfeild is a professional foot chewer.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Sorry mate i only deal in facts not fantasy
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He does seem most likely given his current contract situation.. i wouldn't rule out them making a play for Moses either. He’s having a decent season, his contract is up and the Eels have form in screwing up deals. It wouldn’t even surprise me if they lose Moses and sign Reynolds on overs
Rellum
Roar Guru
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Those little things. Please, your embarrassing yourself. :stoked:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
How do you think the Northern Beaches got its name? Manly to Palmy some of the best coastline in Australia. No matter where you live on the peninsula you are no more than 5 minutes from one
Rellum
Roar Guru
They are just nearby, not like those NSW beaches.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I still think Scarlet is the guy who should be playing 7 for the rest of the year, then the 5/8th should come form Hunt/Gamble or Milf if he continues to improve with the Mighty Magpies. Scarlet is the best half in the QRL, he is a go to guy, he organises and kicks. He is mature and I think ready for the NRL. I would take him over any of the current Broncs halves.
Crow
Roar Pro
Yes loyalty is not in his heart. Sure it professional RL and big dollar contracts are very appealing. Time will tell. Mackay is closer to Townsville but he has been in the BB junior system for a long time. I don’t want to see him in Broncos colour again.