As Tom Dearden soaked in the greatest night of his career, his father Steve struggled to find the words to describe what it meant.
“I’m very proud, probably more than proud. I don’t know what the next word is,” Steve Dearden told 4BC after watching his son steer Queensland to a 24–12 win over New South Wales in the Origin decider.
“It’s been a very emotional last 24 hours, and it was the most proud and emotional game I’ve been involved with. The way that Tom played to top it off, it was the icing on the cake.”
A son’s moment, a father’s dream
In a game that cemented his legacy and earned him both the Wally Lewis Medal and man of the match honours, Dearden scored twice, laid three critical cover tackles on Brian To’o, and led Queensland with poise and purpose.
But for his dad, the moment ran deeper than stats and silverware.
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“A lot of young kids — that’s a dream, and it doesn’t happen to many people. But for it to happen to young Tom, it’s a dream come true for him. He’s very proud of himself and very happy,” Steve said.
Taking over the No.7 jersey from Queensland veteran Daly Cherry-Evans for Game II and III, Dearden made the pressure look effortless.
“He handles pressure very well, it’s actually a surprise to me how well he handles pressure,” Steve added. “There are nerves behind him but he takes it in his stride.”
On a night where the Maroons played with heart for Cameron Munster, who lost his father in the lead-up, and honoured the faith Billy Slater placed in his young halfback, Dearden didn't just rise to the occasion, he rose above it.