The North Queensland Cowboys have announced Tom Dearden will join the club with immediate effect after being granted an early release by the Brisbane Broncos.

Dearden had already signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys starting in 2022 but will now make the immediate move to North Queensland.

"We are thrilled the opportunity arose to accelerate Tomโ€™s arrival in North Queensland," Cowboys Head of Football Micheal Luck said on the club website.

SEE ALSO: Knights make mid-season signing

"The prospect of adding someone with Tomโ€™s talent and enthusiasm to our team mid-season is exciting for our club.

"We believe he will be a tremendous asset for the North Queensland Cowboys for the remainder of 2021 and beyond."