NRL 2021: Tom Dearden, Anthony Milford to be Brisbane’s halves in Round 1

In announcing his round one halves pairing, coach Kevin Walters has pinned a lot of faith in a 19-year-old to guide the Broncos towards salvation.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has backed Tom Dearden to be Brisbane’s main man at halfback this year with Anthony Milford set to partner him at No.6 for their season opener.

Dearden impressed his head coach during the Broncos 34-18 trial loss to the Cowboys at Moreton Daily Stadium on Saturday night as the 19-year-old looks set to make the No.7 jersey his own.

The young gun was in command for much of the first half before the entire Brisbane playing group faded out in the second stanza to allow the Cowboys to run rampant.

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Tom Dearden kicks the ball during the NRL Trial Match against the Cowboys at Moreton Daily Stadium. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Walters liked what he saw from Dearden on Saturday night and declared Milford’s return from a hand injury for Round 1 will be an added boost for the Broncos.

“I thought Tom was very good in the first half,” Walters said.

“In the second half, all of our players fell away from the roles they need to be doing.

“It’s all learning from them, Tom is still a young fella but I did like what I saw from him in the opening 40 minutes.

“I am very confident Milf will be right to go for round one.

“He will be a welcome addition to the team as well.”

Anthony Milford at Brisbane Broncos training. Photo: Liam Kidston.

Walters was forced to lament on his side’s second half siesta, promising to extend the playing group’s performance beyond a 40 minute showing.

“The first 40 minutes was a positive, our defence was very good and we got through our sets,” he said.

“We didn’t have a bad player in the first 40 minutes.

“Myself and the coaching staff have great confidence in this group and we understand the players we have in our group.

“We just need our 40 minutes to extend to 80 minutes and we will be a very good side.”

Kevin Walters after brisbane’s trial loss. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

The Broncos copped injuries to forward Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and outside back Jesse Arthars (ankle) during Saturday’s match.

Flegler was also charged by the NRL judiciary on Sunday for a grade one dangerous throw on Cowboys utility Reuben Cotter which could see him cop a one match ban.

However, the 21-year-old can avoid the one week suspension if he takes the early guilty plea.

Walters admitted he had already picked his Round 1 squad but will review Saturday’s game before telling his players.

“I have a fair idea of who will be there for round one,” he said.

“I didn‘t say much to the guys after the game.

“I like to have a good look at the game and gather my thoughts.

“I like to keep my emotions in check.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Tom Dearden, Anthony Milford to be Brisbane’s halves in Round 1