Dearden: To be in the Kangaroos jersey means everything

With the greatest of respect for the men who have been left out of Mal Meninga's Australian squad, Test debutant Tom Dearden is all about creating a new legacy alongside his Kangaroos brothers.

Dearden is one of six new faces in Australia's side to face Tonga on Friday night along with Mitch Barnett, Zac Lomax, Xavier Coates, Hudson Young and his halves partner Mitch Moses, all looking to make their mark in the green and gold.

The omission of stalwarts Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic and James Tedesco sparked plenty of debate but Dearden hopes the new guard can kick start their own golden era by burying the demons of last year's 30-0 loss to the Kiwis.

"I think it's the highest honour to wear the green and gold and I think being a new squad this year, it's about our squad trying to create our own legacy,” Dearden said.  

First up for the Kangaroos is a clash with Tonga in Brisbane on Friday night, with Addin Fonua-Blake leading a powerful pack that includes Jason Taumalolo and Haumole Olakau'atu.

“I think it's about doing the right things with the ball and making sure that we tackle them first,” Dearden said. 

“They’ve got a big pack and lots of strong carriers with the ball and I think the more we can put the ball in the corner and put fatigue in their side, it just takes away their punch.

“We've got a lot of confidence in our side, and I know this week during training and all the meetings we've had, the focus has all been about us and how we can be better."

The chance to strut his stuff on the international stage caps a stellar season for Dearden, who received the Ron McAuliffe Medal as the Maroons' best player in the Origin series and took home the Paul Bowman Medal for Cowboys Player of the Year.

The 23-year-old also claimed Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year honours as he helped the Cowboys climb from 11th in 2023 to fifth and into week two of the finals.

“I think it's just it's a great honour to be in this camp and get the opportunity to train and wear the green and gold," he said.

"To be in the Kangaroos jersey means everything. It's the highest honour there is in rugby league, and to get the opportunity to be alongside some of the best players in the world, it’s really exciting.”  

While Dearden finished his season in mid-September when the Cowboys lost to the Sharks, halves partner Moses hasn't played since rupturing his bicep in the Origin decider in July.

Moses was restricted to just eight games for the Eels in 2024 due to a broken foot and then the biceps injury but his class and composure in his two Origin appearances for the Blues showed he is ready for the biggest stage.

“I think there's a lot of players in the squad, and Mitch is one of them that haven't had the opportunity to play with,” Dearden said.  

“Over the next couple of days, it's about building those combinations and getting to know those players strengths and how we can all combine well together.

“H's a controlling half, and he gets his hands on the ball, and I think he's a big running threat, and he's got a great kicking game."