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Cowboys coach makes two big Origin calls on Dearden
Scott Bailey, AAP • July 11th, 2025 4:54 pm
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has singled out Tom Dearden for praise after his State of Origin heroics | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS
Todd Payten believes Tom Dearden is destined to captain Queensland, comparing his half's State of Origin heroics with the likes of Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis.
Payten confirmed on Friday that Dearden would back up for North Queensland against Canterbury on Saturday, alongside the Cowboys' three other Origin stars.
Winger Murray Taulagi will also return from a knee injury, in a massive boost for a Cowboys side that has been told it is "now or never" for their season.
Payten said second-rower Reuben Cotter was still "cheery" after the Maroons' series-deciding Origin win, with the 26-year-old to play second row for the Cowboys.
NSW hooker Reece Robson was desperate to get back playing after a disappointing game three, while Jeremiah Nanai was motivated after limited minutes.
But Payten reserved the most praise for Dearden, who was Queensland's best in attack and defence in the decider before being named man of the series.
"Wednesday's performance was as dominant as I have seen in that arena in some tim,e" Payten said of the 24-year-old.
"It is up there with Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns, that type of calibre.
Dearden, receiving the Wally Lewis Medal by the man himself, is a future Qld leader, says Payten | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS
"He deserves every accolade he gets. Works really hard, is fit as a fiddle, puts the team first and I'm glad he's at our club and leading our group."
After taking over from Daly Cherry-Evans after Queensland's series-opening loss, Payten believed Dearden had shown he deserved the No.7 jersey long term.
"I don't think it, I know it. He will be there as long as he is fit and healthy," Payten said.
"It's only a matter of time before he is captain of that state. I know Billy (Slater) thinks highly of him, I know everyone in Townsville thinks highly of him.
"What he did on Wednesday night, I know the whole state is right behind him. He should be floating on air at the moment."
Dearden will now have to be at his best to help turn the Cowboys' season around, after admitting his performance backing up from Origin II against the Sydney Roosters was 'horrible'.
With one more bye in hand in the final round, the Cowboys are three points out of the top eight after two wins from their past nine games.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has told his players it's now or never | Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS
Payten revealed he had told players after last week's loss to Melbourne their season was now very much on the line .
"It's coming down to the crunch," he said.
"There is no more time, we've got to get this right. It's now or never.
"It's important we focus on what we do day to day, be consistent there and perform well for 80 minutes."
