Tom Dearden to debut against Rabbitohs as Kodi Nikorima faces decision on future at Warriors

As the Brisbane Broncos get ready to unleash their youngest starting half ever against the Rabbitohs, skipper Darius Boyd has been succint in his analysis of teen Tom Dearden – “he’s ready”.

Halfback Tom Dearden at Broncos training at the Clive Berghofer Centre, Red Hill, Thursday April 25, 2019. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

• BENNY V BRONCOS: Coaches get personal in feud

• FRONT ROW: Player trading getting out of hand

• KEVVIE’S CALL: Dearden not up to replacing Kodi

Brisbane skipper Darius Boyd has backed Tom Dearden to handle his NRL debut as the Broncos prepare to unveil the youngest starting halfback in their history in Thursday night’s grudge-match against South Sydney.

In a selection bombshell at Red Hill, first-choice half Kodi Nikorima is on the verge of joining the Warriors – clearing the path for Dearden to debut against Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs at 18 years and 50 days.

Coach Anthony Seibold chats with James Roberts and Tom Dearden during Broncos training. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Underlining the risk being taken by coach Anthony Seibold, the Broncos have never started with an 18-year-old halfback, with Ben Hunt having made his debut in the famous Brisbane’s No.7 jumper aged 19 years and 87 days in 2009.

Former playmaker Brett Seymour made his Broncos debut aged 17 years and 241 days in 2002, but, unlike Dearden, he was kept out of the early fireworks after coming off the interchange bench.

Brett Seymour with coach Wayne Bennett in 2003. Picture: David Kapernick

But there will be nowhere to hide for Dearden, a Mackay product who is so young he was ineligible for NRL selection just two months ago before his 18th birthday on March 13 cleared him for first-grade action.

While Nikorima is in the final stages of negotiating a release, Dearden trained alongside five-eighth Anthony Milford today at Red Hill and Boyd backed the blond-haired dynamo to handle a Souths baptism.

“You could say I’m shocked, but the talent coming through this club is enormous,” Boyd said.

“Tommy has just finished high-school and playing for the Australian Schoolboys, but age is only a number. If you are ready, you are ready – and he’s ready.

Ben Hunt was still a kid when he debuted for the Broncos.

“He’s well beyond his years. He only came back to pre-season late because he was with the Australian Schoolboys team, but since he has come here in February, he has been great.

“He is humble, polite and always asking questions. I’ve driven past our club on days off and he is out there kicking with the young fellas, working hard.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure he is only 18 but he has all the attributes to succeed.”

Dearden arrived at the Broncos in pre-season slightly-built at 78kg, but has bulked up to 84kg after coach Seibold kept him away from the playing field for a month to bulk him up in the gym.

The teenage sensation was outstanding in his first game for the Broncos in senior company in February, scoring two tries in his first 31 minutes in a 42-0 trial rout of Souths Logan at Warwick.

Dearden was just 78kg when he arrived at the Broncos. Picture: Jerad Williams

Dearden has bulked up signifcantly since training at Red Hill. Picture: AAP

“Tom has been working with this squad since January and played three first grade trials for the Broncos in the pre-season,” Seibold said.

“It will be an exciting night for him, and we are certain he is ready to play a role for the club.”

The 177cm halfback has since impressed in four Intrust Super Cup games for Wynnum Manly, convincing Seibold he has the toughness and talent to handle a stunning entry to the NRL.

“Tom has been working with this squad since January and played three first grade trials for the Broncos in the pre-season,” said Seibold.

“It will be an exciting night for him, and we are certain he is ready to play a role for the club.”

Kodi Nikorima must weigh up his future after being dumped. Picture: Annette Dew

While Dearden launches his career at the Broncos, Nikorima’s tenure at Red Hill is over.

The 25-year-old New Zealand Test halfback did not appear at Broncos training today and is expected to formally sever ties with Brisbane this week after receiving an offer from the Warriors last night.

“Kodi did a good job to prove himself fit for the match last weekend on a six-day turnaround and played well against the Sharks,” Seibold said.

“He also has some decisions to ponder around his future, decisions that are not easy to sift through, and that may affect his family.

“So considering the tight turnaround between matches, we think it is best he does not play against the Rabbitohs on Thursday.’’

Boyd said Broncos players are bitterly disappointed to lose Nikorima, who has played 86 first-grade games for the club since his debut in 2015.

“We’ve had a chat with Kodi and he said he has a decision to make,” he said.

“He needs to do what’s best for him and his family.

“If he thinks it’s best to go to the Warriors and take that deal, we wish him well.”

It is now possible Nikorima’s first game for the Warriors would be in Brisbane, when the Warriors take on St George Illawarra in the NRL’s Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on May 11.

It may be less than a month before Nikorima, 25, plays against his only NRL club. The Warriors meet the Broncos in Auckland on May 25.