Tom Dearden, co-captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, has publicly dismissed recent speculation that he intends to leave the club early. Speaking to the media on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, Dearden emphasized his commitment to the Cowboys, where he is contracted through to the end of 2029.

Dearden, 26, signed a five-year contract extension at the end of the 2023 season. Despite multiple reports linking him to an early exit due to personal reasons—specifically, his pregnant partner Millie Over residing in Sydney—Dearden stated, "There's been a lot of suggestions that I wanted to move or leave the club. That's not the case at all. I don't feel like I should have to get up here and explain myself against speculation."

He acknowledged the impact of the speculation on his personal life, saying, "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 only once since sustaining a syndesmosis and ankle fracture in Round 10. He and the club have targeted his return for the Round 26 home game against the Wests Tigers in Townsville, following the Cowboys' Round 25 bye.

Currently, North Queensland sits in ninth position and is scheduled to play Gold Coast away on Thursday night before facing Parramatta without Dearden.

Sources