Another big domino falls in NRL playmaker signing frenzy

The NRL player market is starting to take shape with one of the biggest free agents signing a mega five-year contract.

The Cowboys have warded off rival bids to re-sign star five-eighth Tom Dearden. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Cowboys have delivered their fans an early Christmas present with star five-eighth Tom Dearden signing a monster contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2029 season.

Dearden was one of the most in-demand playmakers on the open market along with Penrith’s Jarome Luai, but it appears both men have sorted out their futures with the Panthers star reportedly set to join the Wests Tigers in 2025.

Tuesday’s five-year extension for Dearden is huge news for the Cowboys who missed out on the finals this season but showed 12 months ago that they are a genuine premiership contender having made it to the final four.

Christmas may be six days away but here is a present you can open early 🎁

— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) December 19, 2023

Dearden played a huge part in that finals run with nine tries, 16 assists and a Queensland debut last year, while he added seven tries and 15 assists from 23 appearances in 2023.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the best young playmakers in the game after making a successful move from Brisbane during the 2021 season after he struggled to fit in.

But he is now one of the best sixes in the NRL and has been given the freedom to dominate with his running game, with the experienced Chad Townsend calling the shots at halfback.

Dearden is expected to be a long-term star for the Maroons. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“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,” Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.

“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.”

Originally published as Another big domino falls in NRL playmaker signing frenzy