North Queensland co-captain Tom Dearden has publicly dismissed rumours of an early exit from the Cowboys, reaffirming his commitment to the club through to the end of 2029.
The 26-year-old halfback, who signed a five-year contract extension at the end of the 2023 season, fronted the media to address reports that linked him to a move for personal reasons, with his pregnant partner Millie Over living in Sydney.
Dearden: Speculation is nonsense
Dearden said the speculation had been disruptive to his personal life and stressed that his commitment had never wavered.
“There’s been a fair bit of speculation getting around at the moment. There’s been a lot of suggestions that I wanted to move or leave the club,” Dearden said.
“That’s not the case at all. I don’t feel like I should have to get up here and explain myself against speculation. It’s just been a whole lot of nonsense. I’ve got my private life with a partner who’s pregnant and I’d like for that all to be kept private.”
He added: “I’ve always been committed to the Cowboys and none of that has ever changed, so it’s a bit disappointing that my partner and family have had to deal with a lot of questions. It’s had an impact on the personal life.”
Injury setback
Dearden has played only once since suffering a syndesmosis and ankle fracture in Round 10, which also ruled him out of the State of Origin series. He returned against the Dolphins in Round 20 but tore a muscle in his shin on the other leg.
“It’s been a frustrating year having to sit out because I love representing the Cowboys,” Dearden said. “It’s a bit of a weird injury but it’s tracking pretty well and hopefully I’ve only got a few more weeks (on the sidelines).”
The club has targeted the Round 26 home clash with Wests Tigers in Townsville as his return date, following the Cowboys’ Round 25 bye. North Queensland currently sit in ninth position and face the Gold Coast away on Thursday night before an away clash with Parramatta without their influential half.
