NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos’ Tom Dearden being chased by seven rival teams
Brisbane halfback Tom Dearden will test his value on the open market with seven clubs, including the Titans, lining up to steal the boom rookie from the Broncos.
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Brisbane halfback sensation Tom Dearden will test his value on the open market with seven clubs, including the Titans, lining up to steal the boom teenager from the Broncos.
The Courier-Mail can reveal almost half the NRL competition is targeting Dearden, who is highly regarded by former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and rated by Brisbane scouts as a 15-year playmaker.
While the Broncos have a huge opinion of Dearden, the 19-year-old is stuck behind Storm recruit Brodie Croft, who, at 22, is just three years older and currently the first-choice halfback at Red Hill.
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If Croft proves to be the slick halfback organiser coach Anthony Seibold is craving, Dearden risks floundering at Red Hill as he patiently waits for a chance that may not come for years.
Mindful of the Broncos’ dilemma, NRL rivals have upped the ante and are formulating plans to poach the Australian Schoolboys ace, who is likened to Darren Lockyer with his cool-headed playmaking composure.
Dearden is off contract at the end of next year, meaning he can formally negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year.
Reluctant to play second fiddle forever, the Toowoomba-born rookie will explore his options with the Titans, Wests Tigers, Canterbury and Melbourne Storm ready to strike.
Brisbane board member Darren Lockyer is a member of the club’s recruitment-and-retention committee and says the Broncos will fight to retain Dearden.
“Tom has a great attitude, he is a great person and a special talent,” Lockyer said.
“We obviously hold Tom in high regard, but right now, he is only 19 and Brodie has more experience and is more game ready for the NRL.
“If some guys are being offered a start at another club sooner, it would be enticing to leave.
“But all I can say is Tom is a great kid with talent, we see him as a long-term NRL player and the club doesn’t want to lose him.
“We certainly want him to stay.”
Dearden made his NRL debut against Bennett’s Rabbitohs last year at just 18. He won three of his five first-grade games before two ankle injuries, prompting Seibold to shield Dearden from more NRL action to safeguard his future.
The COVID-19 saga has created a headache for the Broncos.
The suspension of the Intrust Super Cup competition has left Dearden with nowhere to play.
With every week that Croft holds the Broncos No.7 jumper, the more restless Dearden will become.
It is understood Bennett discussed signing the Queensland under-18s young gun, but the Rabbitohs do not have the salary cap space to make a formal play.
However, other NRL rivals are cashed up. The Titans are one serious option for Dearden, who played for feeder club Tweed Heads alongside Xavier Coates in their under-18s side.
Erratic playmaker Ash Taylor is off-contract at the Titans next year, which would free up $1 million for a poaching raid on Dearden.
“It’s frustrating for Tom,” Lockyer said.
“He can’t play Intrust Super Cup and he can’t get a game of footy at all because of this COVID situation.
“There would be a number of guys like Tom who are bitterly disappointed that they can’t play any football and that will have an impact on clubs’ rosters.
“But he can play five-eighth or halfback so I’m confident his chance will eventually come.”
Originally published as NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos’ Tom Dearden being chased by seven rival teams