Tom Dearden Baby News, Salary and NRL Career Update

When Tom Dearden stepped onto the field as co-captain of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024 at just 22, few could have predicted the path that brought him there. Two years earlier, he was a fringe player at the Brisbane Broncos, searching for a foothold in the NRL. Now, at 23, he’s not only leading his club but also preparing for fatherhood — a rise that says as much about grit as it does about opportunity.

Full name: Thomas Dearden ·
Date of birth: 13 March 2001 ·
Height: 177 cm ·
Position: Five-eighth / Halfback ·
Current NRL team: North Queensland Cowboys (captain) ·
Representative honors: Australia, Queensland, Aus PM XIII

Nine key facts about Tom Dearden, one pattern: each step in his career shows a player who turned limited opportunity into a leadership role.

Is Tom Dearden having a baby?

Yes — Tom Dearden and his partner are expecting their first child, an announcement shared via social media in early 2025. The Cowboys star posted the news with a simple caption, drawing congratulations from teammates and fans across the league.

Tom Dearden baby announcement details

• The announcement was made via Instagram in early 2025 (Tom Dearden’s social media).
• The couple did not disclose the expected due date or gender.

Reactions from the NRL community

• Cowboys teammates and officials offered public congratulations.
• Fans celebrated the news on social media platforms.

Which NRL team does Tom Dearden play for?

Tom Dearden currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys, a club he joined in 2022 after leaving the Brisbane Broncos. He was appointed co-captain in January 2024 alongside Reuben Cotter, making him the youngest captain in the club’s history at the time (ESPN report).

Tom Dearden’s current team and captaincy

• He plays as a five-eighth or halfback (North Queensland Cowboys official site).
• In 2025, he made 22 appearances, scored 9 tries, kicked 12 goals, and tallied 41 points (Cowboys stats page).

Previous team: Brisbane Broncos

• Dearden debuted for the Broncos in 2019 and played until 2021 (Wikipedia).
• He struggled to secure a consistent halves spot before moving north.

What is Tom Dearden’s salary?

Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but multiple reports indicate his salary rose sharply after his 2023 contract extension. The deal, signed in December 2023, keeps him in Townsville through 2029.

Estimated salary of Tom Dearden

• Fox Sports reported that if Dearden accepted the extension, he would earn roughly $650,000 a season from 2025 through 2027 (Fox Sports analysis).
• Zero Tackle’s contract database lists him at $700,000 per season for 2026 through 2029 (Zero Tackle player page).
• Sporting News noted a rival offer of over $850,000 per year was discussed during his decision period (Sporting News).
• A Superprof roundup of highest-paid NRL players listed Dearden’s reported 2025 salary at $1.02 million (Superprof).

Comparison with other top NRL earners

• Dearden’s salary is in the upper half for starting halves but not yet at the elite $1M+ tier of players like Nathan Cleary or Daly Cherry-Evans.

Why did Tom Dearden leave the Broncos?

Tom Dearden left the Brisbane Broncos because he saw limited opportunities in the halves, especially with the club’s established playmakers ahead of him. He sought a fresh start at the North Queensland Cowboys, a move that revitalised his career.

Reasons behind his departure from Brisbane

• Dearden told interviewers he wanted a chance to play regularly in the halves (Reddit / Townsville Bulletin summary).
• The Broncos had a crowded halves roster, including Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft at the time.

Impact on his career

• The move to North Queensland gave him the starting halfback role he needed.
• Within two seasons he was named co-captain, a testament to his growth.

Timeline

• 13 March 2001 – Born in Mackay, Queensland.
• 2019 – NRL debut for Brisbane Broncos.
• 2022 – Joined North Queensland Cowboys.
• 2024 – Appointed co-captain of the Cowboys.
• Early 2025 – Announced he and his partner are expecting their first child.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

What others are saying

“I’ve absolutely loved my time here [at the Cowboys]. The club has given me a real opportunity to play my natural game.”

— Tom Dearden, quoted via Townsville Bulletin / Reddit

“We’re thrilled to have Tom commit long-term. He’s a leader on and off the field.”

— North Queensland Cowboys official statement, ESPN

“It was the greatest Christmas present I ever received.”

— Tom Dearden on his five-year extension, via Reddit / Townsville Bulletin

Dearden’s journey from Brisbane cast-off to Cowboys captain and soon-to-be father is rare in modern NRL. For a 23-year-old, the weight of leadership and a growing family could be a distraction, but all signs point to a player who thrives under pressure. For the Cowboys, the decision to invest in him is clear: build around a homegrown leader, or risk watching another club reap the rewards. For Dearden, the choice is just as straightforward: keep proving the doubters wrong, one game — and one baby step — at a time.

For a deeper look at his journey, including his injury history and salary details, check out Tom Deardens biography and injury.

Frequently asked questions