Cowboys star Tom Dearden makes major call on future amid Sydney rumours

Tom Dearden’s North Queensland future has been firmly settled, with the Cowboys co-captain set to remain in Townsville despite renewed speculation linking him with a move to Sydney.

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Rumours had emerged that Dearden could seek a release from the Cowboys for personal reasons, with the club subsequently meeting with its star halfback to establish whether there was any substance to the reports according to reports at CODE Sports.

Those discussions have now been followed by a clear message from Dearden’s management, with long-time agent Sam Ayoub insisting there is no desire from his client to leave North Queensland.

«There is no suggestion Tom wants out of the Cowboys,» Ayoub said bluntly after rumours had slowly built over the past year that Dearden’s relationship could ultimately push him towards a move to Sydney.

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«He loves the club. Just because he has a girlfriend living in Sydney, it doesn’t mean he is moving to Sydney,» Ayoub said.

The speculation had centred on Dearden’s partner, Millie Olliver, who is based in Sydney but is expected to relocate to Townsville once the season concludes, with the couple also expecting their first child.

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Despite the circumstances behind the rumours, Ayoub has made it clear Dearden remains settled in North Queensland and has no plans to pursue a move to a Sydney club.

Dearden’s position at the Cowboys is also strengthened by a long-term contract that runs through to the end of the 2029 season, with the 25-year-old having become one of the most important players in North Queensland’s roster since arriving from Brisbane.

The contract is also one of the more lucrative deals for a half in the competition, with clauses that could see Dearden earn as much as $1.3 million per season.

The Queensland and Australian representative has developed into one of the game’s premier halves during his time in Townsville and remains a central figure in the Cowboys’ hopes of returning to premiership contention.

His future was briefly placed under a cloud by the latest speculation, but the strong statement from his management appears to have ended any suggestion that Dearden is looking for an exit, and Cowboys fans can rest easy knowing their star half is set for the long haul in Townsville.

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