“He’s just begun”: Cowboys re-sign Tom Dearden to a massive contract extension
With the signing of a massive five-year contract extension by one of the top free agents, the NRL player market is beginning to take form.
Star five-eighth Tom Dearden of the Cowboys signed a massive contract extension that would keep him with the team through the conclusion of the 2029 season, giving his supporters an early Christmas surprise.
Along with Penrith’s Jarome Luai, Dearden was one of the most sought-after playmakers available, but it seems the two players have decided on their separate paths, with the Panthers star expected to sign with the Wests Tigers in 2025.
The Cowboys, who finished outside the final four this season but proved a year ago that they are a serious contender for the championship, are thrilled to learn of Dearden’s five-year contract on Tuesday.
With nine tries, sixteen assists, and a Queensland debut in 2023, Dearden was a major contributor to that finals run. In 2023, he added seven tries and fifteen assists from 23 games.
The 22-year-old, who struggled to fit in in Brisbane during the 2021 season, made a successful transfer and is now one of the greatest young playmakers in the game.
But with the seasoned Chad Townsend calling the shots at halfback, he’s now one of the greatest sixes in the NRL and has been allowed to dominate with his running game.
Cowboys general manager of football Michael Luck stated, “This is a great day for our club, locking in one of the most talented young playmakers in rugby league to remain in a Cowboys jersey until the end of the decade.”
“With Tom, Scott Drinkwater, and Reece Robson all signed long-term contracts, today’s news completes what we think is a strong foundation upon which our club can grow.
Tom has flourished in our setting, therefore we have always been convinced that he wants to stay at our club. Since he came in 2021, his development as a player has been significant, and we think he hasn’t even reached his full potential.
With Tom playing a key role, we are excited to extend Tom’s contract through the end of 2029 and look forward to the success we think lies ahead of us.
