NRL 2023: Tom Dearden offered $2 million contract extension by Cowboys

Tom Dearden has time still to run on his contract, but the Cowboys have moved early to take the young playmaker off the market.

Tom Dearden will field plenty of offers to leave the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

North Queensland have tabled a $2 million contract extension to Tom Dearden as the Cowboys look to stave off big-money poaching threats for the Origin playmaker.

This masthead can reveal the Cowboys have made moves to secure Dearden until the end of 2027 ahead of Sunday’s derby against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

But the Cowboys will face a battle to retain the rejuvenated five-eighth, with at least two NRL rivals lodging formal expressions of interest in the former Broncos whiz-kid.

Dearden is contracted to the Cowboys until the end of next season, meaning the Queensland Origin young gun can field formal offers from November 1.

With a shortage of elite emerging playmakers coming off-contract next season, Dearden is a sought-after commodity, with potential suitors armed with offers in excess of $900,000 a season for the 22-year-old.

Tom Dearden has had a big offer tabled by the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

Mindful of poaching raids, the Cowboys have moved swiftly, tabling a fresh three-year upgrade in a bid to keep Dearden in the tropics for the long haul.

Dearden has forged a successful scrumbase alliance with veteran Chad Townsend which has spearheaded the club’s revival as a finals force and the Cowboys are determined to prevail in a bidding war.

“We have started discussions with Tom to go beyond 2024,” Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said.

“He is only young so we’d love to have him here for another few years.

“With a longer term deal for a younger player, you want to make sure the deal is good for both club and player.

“Sometimes they take a bit longer to work through.

“We feel North Queensland is a good club for Tom, so hopefully he agrees on a deal and we can keep him here for a long term.”

Dearden in camp with the QLD Maroons. Picture: Getty Images

It is likely to take a monster offer to convince Dearden to leave the Cowboys.

North Queensland coach Todd Payten has played a pivotal role in rebuilding Dearden, broking his mid-season release from the Broncos in 2021 after the young playmaker lost his way at Red Hill.

Handed his NRL debut by the Broncos in 2019, Dearden had his confidence shattered by Brisbane’s wooden-spoon crash under Anthony Seibold the following year and he sought a fresh start at derby foes the Cowboys.

The move has paid handsome dividends, with the Cowboys showing patience and faith in Dearden, who responded with a sublime 2022 campaign that saw him make his Origin debut in Game Three.

Answering an SOS after Cameron Munster was struck down by Covid, Dearden played the game of his life to inspire Queensland’s series-winning 22-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

Tom Dearden cuts the Eels open, and Peta Hiku gets over for the Cowboys' first of the evening!

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Dearden, who plays his 76th NRL game against the Titans on Sunday, has continued his form resurgence this season - and NRL rivals are ready to pounce.

An estimated 30 playmakers are off-contract next season, with Dearden, Brisbane’s Ezra Mam, Penrith’s Jarome Luai and Warriors’ Luke Metcalf among the most prized targets.

Dearden’s manager Sam Ayoub paid tribute to the Cowboys’ investment in the Broncos discard.

“The Cowboys have put something to us, but it’s too premature to be considering an extension at this stage,” he said.

“Tom is off-contract at the end of next year so there’s no rush at our end.

“Any quality half in the NRL at the moment will have interest because there is a shortage of quality halves.

“There is some interest in Tom. He is a top-end quality playmaker, he has played State of Origin.

“The Cowboys have been very good for Tom and he has done a lot in return as well. You always acknowledge the effort clubs put into a player. They worked really hard on Tom to get him up there when he was doing it tough at the Broncos.

“Of course we will take into account Tom’s satisfaction at the Cowboys.”

Luck said Dearden is a key playmaking plank in their blueprint to deliver the Cowboys’ second premiership.

“Tom has been amazing, particularly over the last few weeks when we have been down on troops,” Luck said.

“He has led from the front with his competitiveness and his preparation for games.

“He just keeps progressing and his game-management has come a long way.

“The coaching staff here have done a wonderful job with Tom since coming from the Broncos.

“He knows what his strengths are and he goes out and executes every week.

“He’s a very good NRL player, we are lucky to have him.”