Pressure is mounting on Brisbane's underperforming halves after Broncos skipper Darius Boyd claimed teenage playmaker Tom Dearden is ready to play NRL "right now".
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Halfback Kodi Nikorima and pivot Anthony Milford have been put on notice after 18-year-old Dearden was a surprise inclusion in the 21-strong squad for the Broncos' clash with Cronulla on Saturday night.
The pair have come under fire after Brisbane slumped to a 1-5 record, the glamour club's worst season start in 20 years.
Coach Anthony Seibold has until now defended his halves, despite the likes of Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston calling for changes to Brisbane's spine.
But it appears Seibold's patience is running out after naming livewire Dearden in the No.20 jersey, despite the youngster only playing four Queensland Cup games.
Nikorima may be the most nervous after Boyd claimed it was only a matter of time before Dearden made his NRL debut.
"What I have seen he could definitely play right now but I don't want to put too much pressure on him," Boyd said.
"He's pushing for a spot, definitely.
"Steering a team around the park (in NRL) is very different to a couple of Q Cup games ...but what I have seen I wouldn't be surprised if he played (NRL soon) and played well."
Dearden first turned heads with two tries in a 31-minute stint in an NRL trial against Queensland Cup side Souths-Logan in February.
Despite not arriving at Red Hill until January, Dearden's pre-season form was so good that he forced his way onto the Broncos bench for their final NRL trial against Gold Coast.
"I didn't know much about him before he came here and he came to pre-season late but ever since he has come to the club he has been doing some pretty special things," Boyd said.
"For his age, he's beyond his years. Without putting too much pressure on him he is going to be a player to watch for the future, for sure.
"I think he is going to make the NRL very, very soon."
While Nikorima may be feeling the heat, Boyd said the squad was rallying around each other ahead as critics sharpened their knives over the club's horror start.
"In house we are pretty tight," Boyd said.
"There is going to be some criticism and rightly so, we have only won one game although some of it is a bit over the top.
"While it is not looking great at the moment it is a long competition and we haven't had a full strength squad all year yet."
Australian Associated Press
