Dearden taking game to a new level
Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden is playing a revamped style of football this season and while his contributions aren’t all showing on the score sheet, it’s clear that he has taken the next step in his development.
The talented half appears to have improved his elite pace and has been lauded for his effort areas including a 95m sprint to cut down a flying Selwyn Cobbo in round 4.
But Dearden is yet to register a try assist in 2024 and, through the first five games of the season, is averaging fewer runs (4.6) and run metres (39) than any of his previous three full years at the Cowboys.
He is also kicking less than in previous seasons for drastically fewer kicking metres.
That reads as if Dearden has taken a step back, allowing North Queensland’s dominant half Chad Townsend to take the reins in attack – but that would not be the case.
Dearden has lifted his line engagements by more than 50 per cent, meaning he is taking the ball to the line more often before passing, drawing in the defence and unlocking space and time for the likes of Scott Drinkwater and Valentine Holmes.
The blossoming five-eighth lauded his forward pack for building the momentum he uses to challenge defences.
“Like the team, I try and improve every week and try to make my game better and I’ve just been working on those areas and trying to be a lot more involved this year,” Dearden said.
“When the forwards roll forward and they get that momentum it allows us halves to dig right into the line and then be able to throw the ball wide and I think the forwards have been doing a great job, and we’ve found some pretty good flow with our attack as well to start the year.”
Dearden attributed his progress to North Queensland’s new attack coach and NRL premiership-winning five-eighth James Maloney.
“He has a really smart football brain and I think the more I can work with him and learn off him throughout the year, I think it’s only going to get better for our attack and also for my own game,” Dearden said.
The Cowboys play Parramatta on Saturday at 5.30pm.