北昆士兰牛仔队副队长汤姆·迪尔登在城镇斯维尔举行的新闻发布会上，就关于他将撕毁合同并转投悉尼的谣言进行了驳斥[1]。这些传言在迪尔登的伴侣、悉尼商人米莉·奥利弗宣布怀孕后引发[1]。迪尔登表示："我不觉得我应该站在这里根据谣言为自己辩护，这完全是胡说八道。我有我的私生活，我的伴侣怀孕了，我希望这一切都保持私密"[1]。
迪尔登目前与牛仔队的合同截止至2029年底[1]。受伤病困扰，他因腓骨联合处问题接受了手术，错过了一场州的起源赛[1]。复出后仅参加了一场比赛便因小腿肌肉撕裂再次伤退[1]。牛仔队近期对阵悉尼公鸡队的比赛中以12:82惨败，创造了俱乐部历史最大失利，目前排名第九[1]。迪尔登计划在球队休赛期结束后（约三到四周）复出[1]。
North Queensland Cowboys vice-captain Tom Dearden has rejected speculation linking him to a move to Sydney, dismissing the claims as unfounded during a press conference in Townsville [1]. The rumors emerged following an announcement that Dearden's partner, Sydney businesswoman Millie Oliver, is pregnant [1].
Dearden expressed frustration with media speculation, stating he should not have to defend himself against baseless reports [1]. He emphasized his commitment to the Cowboys organization and his intention to remain with the club, which holds his services under a five-year contract extending through the end of 2029 [1]. "I don't think I should be standing here defending myself over rumors—it's complete nonsense. I have my private life, my partner is pregnant, and I'd like it to stay private," Dearden said [1].
The halfback has dealt with multiple injuries this season, requiring surgery for a syndesmosis issue that forced him to miss a State of Origin match [1]. After returning to play, he sustained a calf tear that sidelined him again [1]. With the Cowboys currently sitting ninth on the ladder and facing a three to four-week break before the off-season, Dearden is targeting a comeback following the club's rest period [1].