Darren Lockyer has given Brisbane’s Tom Dearden the tick of approval as the 18-year-old prepares to make his NRL debut against Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney on Thursday.
Dearden has added seven kilograms to his frame since the season began to add size to his highly-touted smarts, with coach Anthony Seibold backing him as a long-term No.7 for the club.
Seibold consulted club great and board member Lockyer, who also debuted at 18, before giving Dearden the nod.
The Mackay-product has replaced incumbent halfback Kodi Nikorima in the side as the New Zealand Test representative considers an imminent move to the Warriors.
But Seibold is confident teenager Dearden, who has played just four Queensland Cup games, can link up well in the halves with 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.”
Dearden now weighs 85kg after a month-long weights 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.
“For his age he’s pretty tough and takes the line on, and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line.”