Arabic version: ديردن ينفي التكهنات بشأن رحيله عن كاوبويز

According to ABC News, North Queensland Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden has rejected reports suggesting he wants to leave the club early, describing the speculation as “a whole lot of nonsense”. Dearden, 26, signed a five-year extension at the end of the 2023 season and is contracted through to the end of 2029.

Multiple reports had linked the half to an early departure for personal reasons, with his pregnant partner, Millie Over, living in Sydney. Speaking to media on Monday, Dearden said he did not believe he should have to explain himself in response to speculation and asked for his private life to be kept private.

“I’m committed to the Cowboys until the end of 2029 and I think it’s a bit silly that you have to get up here and speak to a bit of nonsense that’s going around,” Dearden said. He stressed that he was not recommitting to the club because, he said, his commitment had never changed. He also said the reports had affected his partner and family, who had faced questions about his future.

Dearden has played only once since suffering a syndesmosis injury and ankle fracture in round 10. The injury ruled him out of the State of Origin series. He returned against the Dolphins in round 20 but tore a muscle in his shin on the other leg, an issue discovered in the week after he played through the match.

The Cowboys and Dearden are targeting the round 26 home match against Wests Tigers in Townsville for his return, following North Queensland’s round 25 bye. The Cowboys sit ninth and will play Gold Coast away on Thursday night before travelling to face Parramatta without their influential half.