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Dearden dominates Cowboys Awards Night as club farewells seven players

September 4, 2025 10:49 am in by
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Tom Dearden of the Cowboys runs the ball during the round 26 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on August 30, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys Co-captain Tom Dearden has capped off another standout season, cleaning up at the club’s annual presentation night.

The star halfback collected his second consecutive Paul Bowman Medal for Best Player, adding to his growing trophy cabinet with a third Players’ Player award in four years and the coveted Fan Choice award.

Rising star Rob Derby was also named Rookie of the Year, while Braidon Burns took out Club Person of the Year.

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The night also marked a change with the Cowboys officially farewelling seven players. Veteran prop Jordan McLean was honored following his retirement after 156 games for the Cowboys while hooker Reece Robson will head to the Sydney Roosters in 2026.

Semi Valemei will move to the UK Super League, and 2025 debutant Tom Duffy is set to join the Broncos. Jamal Shibasaki, Emarly Bitungane, and Nic Lenaz will also leave the team.

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