‘Rare breed’: Tom Dearden backed to emulate schoolboy feats in Broncos colours

Tom Dearden’s rapid rise to Red Hill was inevitable. That’s the view of a former international coach who’s backing the 18-year-old to shine at NRL level.

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Tom Dearden’s elevation to Broncos debutant was inevitable, according to the school coach who knows him best.

The 18-year-old halfback is set to make his NRL debut against South Sydney on Thursday night at the expense of Kodi Nikorima.

Anthony Seibold did not name the Kiwi playmaker in his matchday squad, leaving Dearden to don Brisbane’s No. 7 jersey.

Blooding such a young halfback is risky, but Dearden’s school mentor Aaron Zimmerle isn’t concerned.

Zimmerle, formerly Canada’s national rugby league coach, enjoyed a front-row seat to Dearden’s blossoming career at Palm Beach Currumbin.

Rising broncos halfback Tom Dearden looks to pass during a Brisbane training session. Picture: Bradley Kanaris

He coached him to the NRL Schoolboys title in 2018 and now he’s backing the youngster to show his skills in the NRL cauldron.

“The thing we came to learn about Tom is that he is incredible and that nothing should surprise you,” Zimmerle said.

“That’s the whole of who he is - he’s humble about his abilities, he has a terrific work ethic and he always wants to continue getting better at the game.

“Whatever level he’s playing at, whether it’s school, Mal Meninga Cup (under-18) or QCup, he will rise to that level no matter what.”

After steering Palm Beach to Allan Langer Cup glory last year, Dearden was at the heart of Palm Beach’s NRL Schoolboys triumph, captaining the side and scoring a solo 70m try in their 20-12 grand final win over Patrician Brothers Blacktown.

Tom Dearden in 2017 ahead of Palm Beach’s clash with Keebra Park. The 18-year-old is set to debut for Brisbane on Thursday. Picture: Jerad Williams

Since then, he’s rocketed to Intrust Super Cup stardom after earning man-of-the-match honours in his Wynnum-Manly Seagulls debut.

Zimmerle says there’s more improvement to come.

“Tom debuted for us in year 11 and when we gave him the captaincy as a challenge last year, that’s when he stepped up even more,” he said.

“We already knew he was talented but he grew as a leader among his peers to go with his incredible skills.

“I’d say there were three or four games last year where we couldn’t have won without Tom and there are things that no one else can do on the field except him. There’s that rare breed you come across once in a while and he’s one of them.”