Former North Queensland Cowboys player Brent Tate backed the club’s extension of five-eighth Tom Dearden following speculation he may leave in free agency.
Dearden was entering the final year of his contract with the Cowboys in 2024 and had garnered significant interest from rival clubs including the St George Illawarra Dragons.
However, the 22-year-old decided to stick loyal to to the Cowboys and has inked an extension which will see him remain in Townsville until the end of the 2029 season.
“It’s a great little Christmas present for the Cowboys,” Tate said on SEN 1170.
“It’s a club he supported as a young man so it’s a dream come true for him and it’s ana astute signing for the Cowboys.
“In a tough year this year, he was the shining light for the Cowboys.
“It’s a long deal at five years but Tom isn’t the type of player who gets comfortable.
‘He always wants to improve, he’s a great competitor and it’s a great acquisition for the Cowboys so they can build the team around him.
“It’s a wonderful signing.”
At just 22 years of age, Dearden has already amassed 80 games in the NRL including a Queensland State of Origin appearance in the 2022 series decider.
Tate firmly believes that the length of Dearden’s latest contract suggests the Cowboys see him as a future leader of the club.
“He’s got leadership capabilities written all over him,” Tate added.
“I definitely think he is (a future captain).
“He is a player the club will want to build around because he’s got a fantastic attitude and he’s a great competitor.
“He has also got a lot of progression to go as a footballer as I see him moving into the number seven (jersey) and becoming a controlling halfback.
“That move is imminent and I certainly think he can be the controlling half and that running threat.
“It’s very exciting for Tommy.”
The Cowboys travel to Suncorp Stadium in Round 1 to take on the Dolphins on March 10.