Tom Dearden has declared he is the man to spearhead a State of Origin boilover and fill the void left by axed Queensland champion Daly Cherry-Evans.
Maroons coach Billy Slater dropped a bombshell when he left his skipper out of his game-two side, entrusting his attack to a man who made his name as a five-eighth, and has just three caps at halfback this year.
It marks the biggest of several changes Slater has made in a bid to save the series and avoid losing back-to-back campaigns, in what could define his coaching career.
Tom Dearden will replace Daly Cherry-Evans as Queensland halfback.Credit: Getty Images
There is an argument that while Dearden possesses one of the most lethal running games among halves in the NRL, his kicking game does not compare to that of Cherry-Evans.
But the 24-year-old was adamant he had the tools and mettle to thrive in his new role.
“I’ve been pretty lucky over the last few years to be able to learn from Daly, and you know how important he has been for this Queensland team and for our state. I’ll speak to him as it gets closer to the game,” Dearden said.
“The pressure is part of playing Origin, and I don’t think it matters what position or what number you’re wearing, there have always been great players who have played in those numbers previously.
“I was sort of playing halfback for the Cowboys pretty well all year, I just changed numbers in the last few weeks. That game management is just part of it and comes with playing in the halves.”
Dearden’s replacement as the bench utility will come in Queensland’s fourth debutant of the series, Kurt Mann.
Mann has started in every position in the NRL, except prop – which he’s had brief stints at – and gives Slater greater flexibility off the interchange.
Mann believes his career spent as the everywhere man has prepared him to make a statement.
“That role, when I first came into first grade, probably wasn’t so important. But with all the rule changes, the speed of the game and injuries, that role is starting to become really valuable,” Mann said.
“You can really make an impact on the game.”
Dearden expects his combination with five-eighth Cameron Munster to be built on their direct running game, which will heighten expectations of the Maroons’ forward pack to right their game-one wrongs.
Trent Loiero has been swapped with Pat Carrigan from the bench into lock, and declared that while “nerves were high in game one”, a breakout performance beckoned.
Yardage penalties from Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant and Carrigan carted the Blues up field early, while their rivals dominated through the middle with greater physicality.
Titans enforcer Moeaki Fotuaika’s performance – 38 metres from four carries – was particularly scrutinised, with calls for Raiders firebrand Corey Horsburgh to be ushered in.
But Fotuaika vowed to “redeem” himself in Perth.
“I just felt like I didn’t really have an impact as much as I wanted, so that’s something that I want to get better at … but that’s not just carrying the ball, it’s also supporting my teammates without the ball,” he said.
“I’m always grateful to be in this camp, I don’t want to take it for granted, because you never know the last time you’ll put this jersey on.”
Trying to inject a battle-hardened presence, Slater has recalled veteran Kurt Capewell – who despite starring for the Warriors, leads the NRL for missed tackles (75) in 2025 – with Jeremiah Nanai shifting to the bench.
But Capewell, who battled injuries all of last season upon his move to New Zealand, put those figures down to “effort plays” or cover tackles stalling opponents drifting across field, and did not believe it would be an issue.
“I don’t read too much into the stats, I just do what I can for the team,” Capewell said.
“I feel like in game one they probably missed the mark a bit with getting our game on. You can’t miss the start.
“There’s definitely a certain amount of aggression – it’s Origin – and there’s a lot of feeling and emotion in this game, so that’s something you have to be ready for.”
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