Tom Dearden Welcomes First Child During Rugby League World Cup

Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden and his girlfriend Millie Oliver welcomed their first child, Dolly June Dearden, on October 23, amidst Dearden's participation in the Rugby League World Cup.

Oliver, a Sydney hairdresser, announced the birth on social media, calling their daughter "the best birthday present I could have ever asked for." Dearden, 25, has been balancing his new role as a father with his commitments to the Australian national team, returning to the field against Fiji in Brisbane just two days after his daughter's birth.

Cowboys and Kangaroos teammate Reuben Cotter shared that Dearden was spending a few days with his family in Sydney before rejoining the Australian squad. Cotter noted that Dearden had already begun participating in nighttime parenting duties and nappy changes.

The birth announcement follows a period of intense public scrutiny regarding Dearden's private life earlier in the year. Reports had linked the playmaker with a potential move away from North Queensland, with speculation suggesting his girlfriend's ability to settle in Townsville could influence his decision. Dearden, however, firmly denied these rumors in August, reaffirming his commitment to the Cowboys until 2029 and noting the toll the speculation had taken on his pregnant partner and family.

Dearden's rugby career has also faced challenges, including a frustrating run of injuries that caused him to miss the entire State of Origin series due to a syndesmosis injury, followed by an injury to his opposite leg. Currently, Dearden is competing with Sam Walker for a starting halves position alongside Cameron Munster in the Australian World Cup squad as the tournament progresses toward its knockout stages.