Darren Lockyer has given Tom Dearden the tick of approval as the precocious teen prepares for a torrid NRL debut in Brisbane's grudge match with Wayne Bennett's South Sydney on Thursday.
Dearden has added seven kilograms to his frame since the season began to couple size with his highly-touted smarts, to now have coach Anthony Seibold's backing as the club's long-term halfback.
Seibold consulted club great and board member Lockyer, who also debuted at 18, before selecting Dearden.
He will be the youngest current player in the NRL and the club's youngest starting No.7 as he replaces Kodi Nikorima in the Broncos side.
Tricked into running out of the tunnel alone at Wednesday's captain's run, the teenager was also hilariously rocked like a baby in the arms of captain Darius Boyd - 13 years his senior - who will play his 300th NRL game.
The blond rookie did it all with a smile and Seibold is confident the veteran of just four Queensland Cup games can defy his tender years, the pressure-cooker environment and an opposition forward pack led by Sam Burgess, to flourish in the halves beside Anthony Milford on Thursday.
"I don't seek counsel from too many people but did from Darren Lockyer because he's a real smart person around that position," Seibold said.
"I just like the way he (Dearden) thinks about the game and I think he'll be a good foil for Milly.
"We don't expect miracles, he's just got to do his job."
There were no smiles in Sydney though as Bennett tempered the hype in typically blunt fashion.
"I've been coach for a long time and I've only ever seen one Allan Langer (and) I don't think we're going to see another one," he said of any comparisons between the pair.
"I'm sure the kid's talented but he won't be Allan Langer."
Seibold was quick to point out Dearden wasn't rewriting history, rattling off Tim Brasher (18), Brad Fittler (17) and Julian O'Neill (18) as other teenagers to excel.
There are also plenty of peer examples in the current Broncos set up with David Fifita (19), Payne Haas (20 last week), Patrick Carrigan (21) and Thomas Flegler (19) all playing major roles for the club this year.
"I think good young players have always come through but it's an interesting one here where we've got a crew of young guys coming through all at the same time," Seibold said.
"We wouldn't go down this route if we didn't think they were capable of doing their jobs."
One big change since January has been Dearden's weight, which has been boosted from 78 to 85kg after a month-long gym program at the start of the season.
NRL'S YOUNGEST CURRENT PLAYERS
* Tom Dearden (Broncos) - 18 years, 49 days (to debut Thursday)
* Bronson Xerri (Sharks) - 18 years, 234 days
* Dylan Brown (Eels) - 18 years, 314 days
* David Fifita (Broncos) - 19 years, 66 days
* Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks) - 19 years, 166 days
* Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans) - 19 years, 167 days
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