Payton’s Dearden support proves a winner
NORTH Queensland coach Todd Payten has revealed how he fought for the signature of Tom Dearden amid fears the former Broncos playmaker would be a high-risk purchase for the Cowboys.
Dearden goes into Saturday night’s Broncos-Cowboys derby in Townsville within sight of a Queensland debut if injured Maroons pivot Cameron Munster fails to recover in time for Origin III.
The 21-year-old has been Queensland’s 18th man for the opening two Origin games and the fact he is even in the frame for the Suncorp decider on next Wednesday night is remarkable given his career was at the crossroads 12 months ago.
On the eve of the Queensland derby, News Corp can reveal a Cowboys boardroom faction was unsure if Dearden was the ideal choice to replace Jake Clifford, who had been offloaded to Newcastle.
Payten, however, was adamant Dearden could fire and submitted a compelling argument to North Queensland’s board as to why he could bloom in the tropics.
The Cowboys coach has been vindicated, with Dearden playing a starring role in North
Queensland’s remarkable surge into the top four.
“I was a huge fan of Tom and I felt he could make it in the NRL,” Payten said.
Dearden came back to haunt the Broncos in their most recent meeting in round 3 at Suncorp Stadium, scoring a try and setting up three to spearhead North Queensland’s 38-12 rout.
Now the Broncos travel to Townsville to face a man rejuvenated in body, mind and spirit.
“We have worked hard here to improve our young guys and Tom is one of those players. He deserves everything he gets,” Payten said.