Coach backs Bronco to stay
COACH Anthony Seibold has defended the Broncos’ handling of Tom Dearden, insisting the halfback sensation will not walk out on the club.
Brisbane are facing a battle to retain Dearden, with seven clubs, including the Titans and Melbourne, circling a teenage talent rated by their scouts as a 15-year halfback.
Dearden, a graduate of the Palm Beach Currumbin State High production line on the Gold Coast, is contracted until the end of next year, but he will test his value on the open market from November 1 if he cannot secure a regular place in the NRL team.
Brisbane purchased Brodie Croft from the Storm last summer and, if their investment strategy succeeds, the 22-year-old will be a 10-year halfback at Red Hill – putting his understudy Dearden in a vulnerable position.
While Seibold can understand Dearden’s frustration at being stuck behind Croft and five-eighth Anthony Milford, the Broncos coach insists he has no intention of losing the Queensland under-18s whiz-kid.
“I’ve spoken to Tom on a number of occasions. He hasn’t indicated to me that he wants to leave the club,” Seibold said. “It would be unfair on Brodie and ‘Milf’ to make a change so quickly.
“Tom knows where he stands, but he hasn’t indicated he wants to leave.
“We are in a good position to have him, Brodie and ‘Milf’ as three players competing for two positions.
“When Tom gets a chance, he will make the most of it. When he plays football, he will show what he can do.”
The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped Dearden’s cause. The Broncos were hoping to continue Dearden’s development in the Intrust Super Cup this season, but the cancellation of Queensland’s premier league competition has left fringe players with nowhere to play.
Seibold says Brisbane must consider Dearden’s welfare as they prepare him for the rigours of week-to-week football.
“Tom is a Bronco. He wants to play first grade at the Broncos, but the reality is he hasn’t played a full game of football since last May,” he said. “I have no doubt Tom is an NRL player … he needs some football.”