New Queensland five-eighth Tom Dearden has declared himself ready to fire in the State of Origin series, saying a week spent with Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston has filled him with confidence.
The 23-year-old will play his second Origin match on Wednesday night after regular No.6 Cameron Munster was ruled out of the series with injury.
Maroons assistant coach Thurston, one of the great playmakers of the modern era, has been passing on his wisdom all week.
On the first day of training on Tuesday, the duo went to work.
Thurston was working closely with Dearden, repeatedly throwing him passes before Dearden put up bombs for winger Xavier Coates to catch.
Later in the week Thurston could be seen passing on advice about the intricacies of five-eighth play to the North Queensland co-captain.
Dearden’s passing was immaculate at Thursday’s training session, whether with torpedo balls or in the end-on-end style which 2015 Cowboys premiership star Thurston delivered in his pomp.
"I know J T was a great competitor and he talks about the game and sees it so well," Dearden said.
"He looks for the little things around how defences react to how you are running a line or what you are doing with the ball. Learning those things, it gives you a lot of confidence when you are out there playing."
Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin said he was not surprised Thurston, who played 37 Origin games with distinction for the Maroons, was having such an impact.
"He has got a huge aura and reputation so when Johnathan Thurston, in his very easy and personable way, sits down and talks with Dearden, Reece Walsh or Ezra Mam … you are listening," Ikin told AAP.
"They are powerful messages from someone who has a reputation for getting it done on the biggest stage. Having someone like him hanging around your youngest minds, how powerful is that?
"Billy Slater clearly understood that he had someone on his staff who knows and understands Origin as one of the greatest players to perform at that level. Johnathan connects so well with people so he gets to share that wisdom."
Dearden did a wonderful job filling in for Munster on debut in the game three decider in 2022, won 22-12 by the Maroons.
He said he was prepared to step up again.
"I just feel like I have developed my game really well and am comfortable with how I play. I know exactly what my job is, what my strengths are and what I need to do to have a good game," Dearden said.
"I don’t have to be Cameron Munster or anyone else. I just have to go out there and get my job done and play to my strengths.
"It is sad to not see Munster here. I know how instrumental he has been for Queensland but now I get my opportunity I am really looking forward to it."
