Cowboys coach Todd Payten has heaped praise on Tom Dearden after his Wally Lewis Medal-winning heroics in the 2025 State of Origin series.
Dearden delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Game III, steering Queensland to victory and bagging two tries.
"Wednesday’s performance was as dominant as I’ve seen in that arena for a long time," said Payten in his Round 19 media availability.
MORE: Dearden would ‘love to be part of the conversation’ for the Ashes tour
He didn't stop there, comparing Dearden's outing to some of the greats of the Origin concept.
"[The performance] is up there with Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns and that type of calibre," he said.
The 24-year-old was under immense pressure given the fact that he was chosen to replace former Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans in the halfback role.
"Tom is floating," said Payten.
"He deserves every accolade he gets. He works really hard."
With leadership qualities to match his engine, Dearden's future in Maroon appears secure - and potentially historic in the eyes of Payten.
"It’ll only be a matter of time before he’s captaining the state," he said.
"I don’t think it, I know it. He’ll be there as long as he’s fit and healthy."
Payten also praised Dearden's reputation within Queensland's inner circle.
"I know Billy [Slater] thinks highly of him. I know everyone in Townsville thinks highly of him. What he’s done on Wednesday night, the whole state’s right behind him."