After already doubling his NRL try assists from 2021 in his first six appearances this year, Tom Dearden is brimming with confidence for North Queensland.
At 21, the halfback has found a home with the Cowboys and feels no pressure each week under the tutelage of experienced half Chad Townsend.
The pair have pulled the strings in their playmaking role as the Cowboys enjoy their best start to a season since 2018 with a 3-3 record.
For Dearden it all stems from an ability focus on his own game.
"Chad is just really good at directing the side around the park and organising the side and getting to where we need to be, so it just allows me to free my game up and just focus on what my job is for the team," he told AAP.
That job is to run the ball, identify advantages in play and tackle hard on the defensive end.
Those three instructions were brought to light by coach Todd Payten late in season 2021, with Dearden now reaping the rewards of his off-season efforts.
"I've been a lot more involved and a lot more confident in what my touches can be for the team," he said.
Fellow half and 11-year NRL veteran Townsend believes the best is yet to come for Dearden, highlighting noticeable differences from the off-season to now.
Joining the club as a tutor and guide for their young group, Townsend says their gameplan depends on Dearden's involvement while he marches the pack around the park.
"At the moment we're playing to Tom's strengths, and we wanted to do that in the pre-season," Townsend told AAP.
"My message is always for him to run the ball and let me control the team. I'll control the team with my voice, the kicking game and let him chime in where he wants to be.
"Maybe at his previous club and last year he was asked to do things that probably he wasn't comfortable doing at this stage of his career and I've got no doubt he'll grow into that player.
"But you've got to remind yourself he's just turned 21 and he's a young kid, but he's got a great head on his shoulders and I'm really enjoying working with him."
The pair will lead their side into a second Queensland derby of this season when Gold Coast fly north for an Anzac round clash on Saturday.
Growing up in Mackay, Dearden is a proud Queenslander and said the thrill of representing his family and fans is second-to-none.
"I do think about my family and I think about the proud North Queenslanders and how humble and and good everyone is up here," Dearden said.
"Representing the region and the Cowboys has been awesome and I absolutely love the club and love representing them up here."
