Dearden’s PBC cheer squad

PALM Beach Currumbin State High’s next wave of aspiring NRL talent will travel up the M1 to see their former schoolmate in action tonight.

Tom Dearden will line up for his third NRL match in Brisbane colours as the Broncos host ladder leaders Sydney Roosters in a 7.55pm kick-off at Suncorp Stadium.

Dearden, an 18-year-old halfback, captained PBC to the NRL Schoolboy Cup national championship last year and won the Peter Sterling Medal for player of the tournament.

“The Broncos gifted us the tickets to let us go up there and support Tommy,” said Reds coach Aaron Zimmerle.

“The boys originally wanted to drive down for Tommy’s debut but we said that was probably not the safest option and in return we just organised now to go up as a group with 25 of them to see Tommy play the Roosters.

“They have been good, they put us behind the goalposts so, touch wood, maybe he can score his maiden NRL try while we’re there.

“We’ll dress all the boys in red so he can see the group and know where they are located.”

Zimmerle added he was pleased to see how well Dearden has handled himself defensively since being promoted to the NRL.

“He always said it, even in his time with us: If I get my defence on early, my attack will come. He builds confidence from being strong defensively,” Zimmerle said.