{
  "id": 82795,
  "title": "'Lot of nonsense': Dearden clears air on Cowboys future",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/lot-of-nonsense-dearden-clears-air-on-cowboys-future",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T09:55:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-03/tom-dearden-clears-air-on-cowboys-future/106992486"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "North Queensland Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden has addressed speculation about his future with the club, assuring fans that he is fully committed to the team until the end of 2029. The 26-year-old has played only once since suffering a syndesmosis and ankle fracture during round 10. Dearden signed a five-year contract extension in 2023, but recent reports suggested he might leave the Cowboys due to his pregnant partner, Millie Over, living in Sydney. However, Dearden firmly denied these claims in a recent media appearance, stating that he feels no need to explain his private life to the press. He expressed frustration that his personal life has been subject to public scrutiny, particularly as his injury has sidelined him from participating in the State of Origin series and playing against the Dolphins. Dearden is optimistic about returning to action in time for the round 26 home clash against Wests Tigers in Townsville, following the Cowboys' bye week.",
  "summary": "North Queensland co-captain Tom Dearden has cleared the air about his future and given the club a boost as he targets returning from injury to inspire a finals run.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}