Stepping in to replace the irreplaceable, Queensland debutant Tom Dearden enacted an outstanding performance to help the Maroons secure an unyielding 10-point victory over the Blues on Wednesday.
Taking the place of Cameron Munster at five-eighth after the game one man of the match was ruled out with COVID-19, along with winger Murray Taulagi, Dearden excelled running 103 metres, laying 29 tackles as well as setting up a try in the process.
Speaking to 4BC’s Wide World of Sports, Dearden shared the nice message he received from Munster in the lead-up to the decider.
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“After I’d received the message from Billy (Slater), he (Munster) was one of the first to ring me,” Dearden said.
“I think it just shows – I know how disappointed he would have been not being able to run out and play in the decider – but it just shows the credit of the bloke to be able to give me a call and congratulate me, tell me that the boys have got my back and that they’re excited to watch me play.
“I think hearing those words from a player like Cam Munster, who’s probably the best player in the game at the moment, it definitely made me feel very confident.”
Dearden said he was trying to reflect on the intense match but was stuck in awe of his teammates and the result.
“It’s something that you dream of as a kid and to be able to get a debut at Suncorp Stadium in a decider, and for Queensland to be to put on a performance like that, it’s a pretty special moment,” he said.
“I had those natural nerves just because of the occasion, but I had a very clear message on what my job was and what I had to do when I got out there.”
With just 49 NRL appearances under his belt, the 21-year-old felt extremely fortunate to represent his state.
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“I’m still only in the first few years [of my career] and I’m just really loving my footy at the moment,” he said.
“I started my career with a few tough times and I think that’s what footy is, it’s plenty of ups and plenty of downs so you’ve got to soak up these high moments and enjoy them.”