TOMMY Teen sensation Dearden eyeing shot at Broncos’ halfback hot seat TIME

BOWLED OVER: MEET THE COLOURFUL COAST CHARACTER BREAKING THE MOULD

TEENAGE sensation Tom Dearden is shaping as the major beneficiary of Kodi Nikorima’s potential Broncos exit, with a possible NRL baptism looming for the 18-year-old Palm Beach Currumbin product on Thursday night.

Rumours are circulating Kiwi Test playmaker Nikorima could be offloaded to the New Zealand Warriors as early as today, opening the door for Dearden to debut against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium in two days’ time.

The 18-year-old, who captained PBC to the NRL Schoolboy Cup national championship last year and claimed the Peter Sterling Medal, has been in impressive form for Wynnum Manly in the Intrust Super Cup this season.

The Warriors yesterday refused to shut down speculation they will attempt to sign Nikorima before the NRL’s June 30 deadline, with chief executive Cameron George not responding to a request for comment.

Should Nikorima depart, Dearden (pictured) would likely face competition from Sean O’Sullivan for the No.7 jersey.

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