Brisbane skipper Darius Boyd says teenage playmaker Tom Dearden is ready to play NRL “right now” as pressure mounts on the Broncos’ underperforming halves.

Halfback Kodi Nikorima and pivot Anthony Milford appear to have been put on notice after 18-year-old Dearden was a surprise inclusion in the 21-strong squad for the Broncos’ clash with Cronulla on Saturday night.

Nikorima and Milford have come under fire after Brisbane slumped to a 1-5 record, the glamour club’s worst season start in 20 years.

Coach Anthony Seibold has until now defended his halves, despite the likes of Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston calling for changes to Brisbane’s spine.

But it appears Seibold’s patience is running out after naming livewire Dearden in the No.20 jersey, despite the youngster only playing four Queensland Cup games.

“What I have seen he could definitely play right now but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” Boyd said.

“He’s pushing for a spot definitely. He is pushing the door down very hard to get a spot.

“Steering a team around the park (in NRL) is very different to a couple of Q Cup games …but what I have seen I wouldn’t be surprised if he played (NRL soon) and played well.”

Boyd said he had been impressed by Dearden, who first turned heads with two tries in a 31-minute stint in an NRL trial against Queensland Cup side Souths-Logan in February.

“He’s calm, got a great kicking game. For his age, he’s beyond his years and very switched on,” Boyd said.

“He’s not a big kid but deceptively strong, good speed, very good dummy.

“I think he is going to make the NRL very, very soon.”

Brisbane will welcome back lock Tevita Pangai from suspension while prop Matt Lodge has been named on an extended bench as he recovers from a throat injury.