Dearden’s shot

BRISBANE’S halves have been put on notice after coach Anthony Seibold named teen sensation Tom Dearden in his 21-man squad.

The 18-year-old halfback and former Gold Coast schoolboy has been highly regarded as the Broncos’ future playmaker after a stellar debut season in the Intrust Super Cup for Wynnum Manly.

His inclusion in the top side comes as the Broncos hope to avoid a fifth consecutive loss when they play Cronulla at Suncorp on Saturday night.

The Broncos are struggling for form in 2019 after falling to their equal worst start in the club’s history with a 1-5 winloss record after six matches.

Halves pairing Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima have copped the brunt of the criticism for the team’s dismal start after failing to ignite their side’s attack.

NRL playmaking legends Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston believe the time has come to wield the axe on the Milford-Nikorima alliance, claiming both players can’t execute a game plan to make the Broncos a title contender.

Just three days ago, Seibold announced he would not bow to public pressure and will keep the faith in his besieged halves.

However, he yesterday sent the pair a message by naming Dearden in the No.20 jersey for the first time this year.

Dearden has been touted as a future NRL star and played his first senior Broncos trial in February, when he scored two tries in the first 31 minutes in a stunning display among senior company.

Dearden’s under-18s Tweed Seagulls coach Tim McCann claimed he was ready.

“I think he’ll be fine (if named to play for the Broncos),” he said. “He’s got an old head on a young body.

“He seems to handle pressure quite well and he’s an Australian Schoolboy.”