Tom Dearden has put paid to speculation about his future by signing a mammoth five-year extension to remain a North Queensland Cowboys.
The 22-year-old five eighth was thought to be ready to test his value on the open market – where he may well have attracted a million dollar contract – but will now stay in Townsville until the end of 2029.
The extension is a huge move for the club and coach Todd Payten, who can now build his team around the young half without any fear that he will depart.
“This is a great day for our club, locking in one of the most talented young playmakers in rugby league to remain in a Cowboys jersey until the end of the decade,” said Micheal Luck, Cowboys General Manager of Football.
“Today’s announcement finalises what we believe is a solid foundation for our club to build around with Tom, Scott Drinkwater and Reece Robson all locked into long-term deals.
“We were always confident Tom wanted to remain part of our club because he has thrived in our environment. His improvement as a player has been considerable since he first arrived in 2021 and we believe he’s only scratched the surface.
“We are thrilled to extend Tom’s contract to the end of 2029 and look forward to the success we believe is in front of us with Tom playing an integral role.”
It is another kick, however, for clubs who might have wanted to tempt Dearden down from the north. The Bulldogs and Dragons would have been among the top suitors, with both in the market for an elite playmaker.
With Jarome Luai on the brink of signing for the Wests Tigers, the Panthers might have been interested in Dearden but will now likely turn their attention to Jack Cole, their NSW Cup five eighth, or either of new back-up halves Brad Schneider and Daine Laurie.
Ezra Mam is almost certain to extend his time at Brisbane, leaving only veterans and the Super League to pick from.
Luke Keary and Kieran Foran are both off, though they would be a short-term solution only, while Jack Welsby, the England five eighth, is in discussions with St Helens but thought to be amenable to an NRL move. The Dragons and Dolphins have been rumoured as landing spots.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good result… where he should be…
RobboMaroon
Roar Rookie
Shouldn't be too hard convincing Luki to stay a Cowboy, the biggest problem for the Cowboys is the amount of talent coming through their development program. To my understanding there are a number of young guys like Chester (who has already shown that the NRL doesn't phase him) putting pressure on the senior players. The club will struggle to retain all the talent.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Haha......poor old Tim, he gets the blame time and time again :laughing: :thumbup:
langparker
Roar Rookie
Just joshing (do you know him). Have a merry Christmas!
langparker
Roar Rookie
Who’s Tim?
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
I wonder whether rep selection even means much these days for salary. Clubs are pretty sophisticated in their research and analysis, so much info is available on players. It's not like Luai (for eg) set SOO afire, I doubt Tigers factored that into the equation.
3 R M
Roar Rookie
If he backs up last season and then improves a bit he will be demanding origin selection I think Rob.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Tim will tell....
3 R M
Roar Rookie
Good to see him resigned, he is still yet to show in nrl what he promised as a school boy. Like the statement said we are only scratching the surface with Tom. That is taking into account that he is already a origin rep and a good 5/8. Luki should be next, we have an abundance of young second rowers coming through on top of the 4 nrl starters but he is one of kind. Looch comes off contract at the end of Luki's PO. So there should be money there if we can convince him to stay.
langparker
Roar Rookie
His agent might have a bit more nous than you Tony, it’s often about more than the dollar figure on the contract. Broncos appear to have reverted to their strategy of their golden era where the player’s association with the club opens doors well after he retires. You can read into comments by Adam Reynolds that he can see a better future remaining in the sunshine state rather than scuttle back to dingy old Redfern, and I understand his kids are loving their lifestyle. I’m fairly certain Tom Dearden never had much intention of leaving the cowboys for a few bucks more, particularly to get put under the constant Sydney media microscope at a train-wreck club like the dragons.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Starting halves are very thin on the ground, and teams that have them are locking them down for as long as tgey can
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
From what we've seen the market doing lately I think $800 is a bit skinny, Nat. Broncs will surely be very keen to keep him.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I'm pleased for Tom and his club having settled his future. It takes all the media speculation out and gives peace of mind for his club fans. He's a wonderful player with a bright future. Good management from The Cowboys locking him in long term.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It would have broken my heart if he left ( well the part that is left after losing the Hammer).
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Really Tommy was never in doubt. A local boy who loves the area and the team. Just Luki to go.
Cam
Roar Rookie
That's a good get by the Cows. Dearden is 22yrs and will play some of his best footy over the next 6 seasons.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good on you Tommy. You just know he will be consistently good and improving every year right up to Captaincy.
Jack
Roar Rookie
Ripper Nice change. Usually we let our young stars go and sign journeymen as replacements.
Nat
Roar Guru
He’ll have all the offers he needs in front of Ezra. I doubt he risks a one year deal. He still has DCE & Munny ahead of him in the rep arena - until they lose at least. Even then Tommy and Walker have their nose in there. Mam will get paid but I reckon $800 is his top anywhere. He had some good company this year to elevate his status.
Bernie
Roar Rookie
with Dearden gone, so lucky that the Dragons snapped up K.Flanagan .... that was a Duftstaresque recruitment move .....