Tom Dearden has admitted his surprise at getting the call to represent Queensland in State of Origin and says he is ready to play his role if he gets the nod.
The Maroons are priced at 5/4 to win the series against New South Wales and Dearden is one of four North Queensland players to be included in Billy Slater’s 22.
Dearden named 18th man
Slater has named the five-eighth as his 18th man which means there is a chance Dearden could get on the park in game one next Wednesday. That is an exciting prospect and Dearden says he is ready to go.
“It’s an awesome feeling, to get the call from Billy (Slater) and find out, was really unexpected and I am absolutely stoked to be here," Dearden said. “I had no clue at all, so it was a massive surprise. I’m 18th man, so I have to prepare as if I am going to play.”
Related NRL news
Ponga fit and ready for Origin
Payten targets Cowboys response
Strong Cowboys start
Meanwhile the Cowboys have got the NRL campaign off to a great start and have surprised many to move to third place on the ladder. It has resulted in Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter all getting the call.
“I think we are all just really playing for each other and we are putting in a lot of really good team performances and I think that’s why we started the year successfully," Dearden added.
"And we’ve got a lot of defensive resolve and I think that’s just been the pleasing thing to start the year.”
