Wally Lewis Medal winner Tom Dearden has paid tribute to the man he replaced, former Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans, after delivering a career-best performance to help seal the 2025 State of Origin series for the Maroons.
Dearden was instrumental in Queensland’s 24-12 victory over New South Wales in Game III at Accor Stadium, scoring two tries and producing a crucial try-saving tackle on Blues winger Brian To’o.
His efforts not only secured the win but also earned him the coveted Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.
Despite effectively ending Cherry-Evans’ Origin career by taking over the No.7 jersey midway through the series, Dearden revealed post-match that the veteran halfback had a major influence on his development, and even sent him a supportive message ahead of the decider.
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“He sent me a message which said, ‘good luck, congratulations and all that stuff’,” Dearden said.
“He’s a proud Queenslander too, and he would have wanted the best for us. I wasn’t surprised at all though because I know Daly Cherry-Evans and that’s the type of person he is.
“I’ve been very lucky to be involved with camps with Daly and to see the way he leads this team around and the way he prepares for an Origin game. Watching that, it helped me a lot. He’s been instrumental in my development just being involved in camp with him,” Dearden added.
Dearden featured off the bench in Game I, where NSW claimed a win in Brisbane, but replaced Cherry-Evans in the halves for Games II and III, a bold move by coach Billy Slater that ultimately changed the series.
While much of the lead-up focused on Cameron Munster, who courageously played just days after the passing of his father, it was Dearden who outshone Blues star Nathan Cleary and emerged as the standout playmaker in the final two matches.
“It’s a special feeling,” Dearden said of his Wally Lewis Medal honour.
“I’m just proud. I really enjoy playing footy and I just love competing. When you get to play in these teams, you have so many great players around you and I think that brings out the best in myself.”
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Coach Billy Slater was full of praise for his young halfback, declaring Dearden “one of the best competitors” he’s ever seen.
“I don’t think anyone is surprised how Tom Dearden has played in the No.7 jersey,” Slater said.
“The one thing I will say is Daly Cherry-Evans has been a wonderful halfback and a wonderful captain for this team over a long period of time. So, that’s the first thing I want to acknowledge.
“But I just felt it was Tom Dearden’s time. It’s Tom Dearden’s time to step up and rise to this position. He will give everything for the team.”
With a composed and dynamic performance under Origin pressure, Dearden not only validated Slater’s bold selection call, but also showed that the future of Queensland’s halves is in safe hands.