North Queensland co-captain Tom Dearden has cleared the air about his future and given the club a boost as he targets returning from injury to inspire a finals run.
At the end of the 2023 season Dearden, 26, signed a five-year contract extension through to the end of 2029.
But multiple reports in recent weeks linked him to an early exit for personal reasons due to his pregnant partner, Millie Over, living in Sydney.
Dearden fronted the media to refute the reports due to the impact they were having on his personal life.
“There’s been a fair bit of speculation getting around at the moment. There’s been a lot of suggestions that I wanted to move or leave the club,” Dearden said.
“That’s not the case at all. I don’t feel like I should have to get up here and explain myself against speculation.
“It’s just been a whole lot of nonsense. I’ve got my private life with a partner who’s pregnant and I’d like for that all 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 made it clear that he was “not recommitting”.
“I’ve always been committed to the Cowboys and none of that has ever changed, so it’s a bit disappointing that my partner and family have had to deal with a lot of questions,” he said.
“It’s had an impact on the personal life. I’ve got a pregnant partner and I think when there’s speculation getting around like that, people are reading that and it gives them questions to ask and you always have to answer to people.”
Dearden has played just once since suffering a syndesmosis and ankle fracture in round 10.
The injury ruled him out of the State of Origin series and he returned against the Dolphins in round 20 only to tear a muscle in his shin on the other leg.
Dearden played through the match but during the following week discovered the issue.
“It’s been a frustrating year having to sit out because I love representing the Cowboys,” Dearden said.
“It’s a bit of a weird injury but it’s tracking pretty well and hopefully I’ve only got a few more weeks [on the sidelines].”
Dearden and the club have targeted the round 26 home clash with Wests Tigers in Townsville as his return date, after the Cowboys’ round 25 bye.
North Queensland is in ninth position and plays Gold Coast away on Thursday night before an away clash with Parramatta without its influential half.
AAP
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