LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Kevin Walters has defended the Broncos' 2021 decision to let Tom Dearden leave, arguing it was necessary for his professional growth.
Dearden recently excelled in his role as Queensland's halfback, helping the team reclaim the State of Origin shield and earning the Wally Lewis medal for his performance in the decider.
In just seven months, he also secured the Pacific Championships title as the Kangaroos' five-eighth.
However, his recent success has reignited discussions about why the Broncos allowed such a promising player to leave.
Dearden, once a highly regarded talent within the Broncos' academy, made his NRL debut at just 18 but faced challenges, including the team's wooden spoon finish in 2020, which preceded his mid-season transfer to the Cowboys.
During his time at the Broncos, Dearden was overshadowed by other halfback options like Anthony Milford, Tyson Gamble, and Brodie Croft, who garnered more playing time than him.
Following Dearden's performance, Queensland journalist Peter Badel remarked that the Broncos should "hang their heads in shame" for letting him go.
Walters, who took over as Broncos coach shortly before Dearden's departure, offered further context on the situation during his podcast.
He explained that Dearden felt burdened by high expectations, being frequently compared to the legendary Alfie Langer.
This created a challenging environment for Dearden at the Broncos, prompting Walters to conclude that it was in the best interest of Dearden's career to move on.