Darren Lockyer has given Tom Dearden the tick of approval as the precocious teen prepares for a torrid NRL debut in Brisbane’s grudge match with Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney on Thursday.
Dearden has added seven kilograms to his frame since the season began to couple size with his highly-touted smarts, with coach Anthony Seibold backing him as a long-term halfback for the club.
Seibold consulted club great and board member Lockyer, who also debuted at 18, before selecting Dearden, who will become the youngest current player in the NRL as he replaces Kodi Nikorima in the Broncos side.
Tricked into running out of the tunnel alone at Wednesday’s captain’s run, the teenager was also hilariously rocked like a baby in the arms of captain Darius Boyd – 13 years his senior – who will play his 300th NRL game.
The blond rookie did it all with a smile and Seibold is confident the veteran of just four Queensland Cup games can defy his tender years and the pressure-cooker match to flourish in the halves beside Anthony Milford.
“I don’t seek counsel from too many people but did from Darren Lockyer because he’s a real smart person around that position,” Seibold said.
“I just like the way he (Dearden) thinks about the game and I think he’ll be a good foil for Milly.
“We don’t expect miracles, he’s just got to do his job.”
Seibold rattled off Tim Brasher (18), Brad Fittler (17) and Julian O’Neill (18) as other teenagers to excel from a young age.
But there are also plenty of peer examples in the current Broncos set up with David Fifita (19), Payne Haas (20 last week), Patrick Carrigan (21) and Thomas Flegler (19) all playing major roles for the club this year.
“I think good young players have always come through but it’s an interesting one here where we’ve got a crew of young guys coming through all at the same time,” Seibold said.
“We wouldn’t go down this route if we didn’t think they were capable of doing their jobs.”
One big change since January has been Dearden’s weight, which has been boostedc from 78 to 85kg after a month-long gym program at the start of the season.
It will help him against a Rabbitohs pack sure to target the rookie.
“He’s going to have to learn to accept that and hopefully we can support him,” forward Matt Lodge said of the expected barrage.
NRL’S YOUNGEST CURRENT PLAYERS
* Tom Dearden (Broncos) – 18 years, 49 days (to debut Thursday)
* Bronson Xerri (Sharks) – 18 years, 234 days
* Dylan Brown (Eels) – 18 years, 314 days
* David Fifita (Broncos) – 19 years, 66 days
* Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks) – 19 years, 166 days
* Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans) – 19 years, 167 days