HALFWAY THERE
Dearden looking good as he chases Broncos’ No.7 jumper
BRONCOS coach Kevin Walters has backed Tom Dearden to be Brisbane’s main man at halfback this year with Anthony Milford set to partner him at No.6 for their season opener against Parramatta.
Dearden, a Palm Beach State High School graduate, impressed his coach in the Broncos’ 34-18 trial loss to the Cowboys at Redcliffe as the 19year-old looks set to make the No.7 jersey his own.
The young gun was in command for much of the first half before the entire Brisbane playing group faded out in the second stanza to allow the Cowboys to run rampant.
Walters liked what he saw from Dearden on Saturday night and declared Milford’s return from a hand injury for Round 1 against the Eels on March 12 will be an added boost for the Broncos.
“I thought Tom was very good in the first half,” Walters said. “In the second half, all of our players fell away from the roles they need to be doing.
“It’s all learning from them, Tom is still a young fella but I did like what I saw from him in the opening 40 minutes.
“I am very confident Milf will be right to go for Round 1. He will be a welcome addition to the team as well.”
Walters was forced to lament on his side’s second-half siesta, promising to extend the playing group’s performance beyond a 40-minute showing.
“The first 40 minutes was a positive, our defence was very good and we got through our sets,” he said.
“We didn’t have a bad player in the first 40 minutes. Myself and the coaching staff have great confidence in this group and we understand the players we have in our group.
“We just need our 40 minutes to extend to 80 minutes and we will be a very good side.”
The Broncos copped injuries to forward Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and outside back Jesse Arthars (ankle) during Saturday’s match while John Asiata was put on report for a lifting tackle.
Flegler was also charged by the NRL judiciary on Sunday for a grade-one dangerous throw on Cowboys utility Reuben Cotter which could see him cop a one-match ban.
However, the 21-year-old can avoid the one-week suspension if he takes the early guilty plea.
Walters said he had already picked his Round 1 squad but will review Saturday’s game before telling his players.
“I have a fair idea of who will be there,” he said.
“I didn‘t say much to the guys after the game.
“I like to have a good look at the game and gather my thoughts.”