Dearden is ready: Satts

FORMER Origin player Scott Sattler has hailed Brisbane rookie Tom Dearden the NRL’s next halfback star and says the 18-year-old is “ready now” for a Broncos baptism.

His comments come as first-choice halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima are under mounting pressure to ignite the struggling side.

Brisbane enter Sunday’s clash against the Raiders floundering in 13th place with a shaky 1-4 record and if Milford and Nikorima can’t engineer victory at GIO Stadium, the calls for their sacking will intensify.

Sattler, an Intrust Super Cup commentator, is adamant Dearden is the answer in the Broncos’ No.7 jumper made famous by Allan Langer.