Queensland playmaker Tom Dearden has admitted learning from Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston has been monumental for his career in recent years as he looks to emulate the legendary halfback in the State of Origin arena. Dearden made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in the 2022 decider, which his state won 22-12.
Dearden has since bided his time for a starting position in the XIII and took over Daly Cherry-Evans in the No.7 jersey for Game 2 this year. The 24-year-old played a huge role in helping to keep the series alive for Queensland with a 26-24 win over NSW in Perth. Dearden knows what it’s like to play in a decider, but has never played one in Sydney in front of 80,000 Blues fans.
And the Cowboys star has once again called upon the Queensland legend for advice. Dearden has been fortunate to work with Thurston having joined the Cowboys in 2021 from the Broncos. Thurston has also helped the Cowboys and Queensland as a halves coach after his retirement.
And the Queensland playmaker admitted learning off Thurston and coach Billy Slater has been a huge part of his development in recent years. “He has had a great influence. Since I was a kid, I have always watched JT and the way he competes and what he does on a footy field,” Dearden said.
“I have always tried to emulate his actions on the field and it’s been no different now. I have been quite lucky where I have had a fair bit to do with JT and when we are in camp or in North Queensland, he always has clips or videos to show me.
“It’s never anything that you don’t know, but it’s going back to the simple things. When you speak to the great players like (Maroons coach) Billy Slater and JT, it always comes back to the simple things first and that’s what I base myself on too.”
Tom Dearden praises Queensland icons
The 24-year-old Cowboys star grew up watching the likes of Thurston dominate Origin for Queensland. Thurston is considered one of the greatest halves to play the game and his ability to read the game and react was a highlight.
Dearden has a brilliant running game and is often at his best when the game is open. But he has also credited Thurston in developing other parts of his game when it comes to game management, which he praises Thurston for sharing his wealth of knowledge.
“He does know the game. JT was an instinctive player as well, but he does a great job of explaining that to you,” Dearden said. “When you are watching video with him, he explains so well what he thinks you can do to manipulate a defensive line and that’s where he has been great for me.”
Dearden took over Cherry-Evans in Game 2 after Slater made the huge call to to drop the captain midway through the series. This placed a lot of pressure on Dearden to step-up with the series on the line for Queensland.
And the 24-year-old did just that having been instrumental in the first-half. Player-of-the-match Cameron Munster even claimed Dearden could have won the honours after the game. Munster has left camp to be with his family after the shock death of his father.
Although Munster, who became captain after Cherry-Evans was dropped, is expected to play on Wednesday. Reece Walsh trained in the halves on Monday in case Munster opts out of the game.
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