Tom Dearden has signed a five-year extension to stay at North Queensland Cowboys amid speculation about his future. The 22-year-old’s decision to remain in Townsville until 2029 is a massive boost for the club and coach Todd Payten, allowing them to build the team around the talented young playmaker without fear of him leaving. Cowboys General Manager of Football, Micheal Luck, expressed his excitement about the deal and the solid foundation it provides for the club. Dearden’s decision is a blow to clubs like Bulldogs and Dragons who were eyeing him as a potential elite playmaker.
The extension solidifies Cowbos’ roster with other young talents like Scott Drinkwater and Reece Robson on long-term contracts. Dearden has thrived in the Cowboys environment, showing significant improvement since his arrival in 2021. The deal is expected to bring future success with Dearden playing a key role. As a result of Dearden’s decision, clubs like the Bulldogs, Dragons, and Panthers may have to look for other options for playmakers as key players consider their future moves. This includes players like Ezra Mam, Luke Keary, Kieran Foran, and others who are rumored to be considering various options.