Payten confirmed on Friday that Dearden would back up for North Queensland against Canterbury on Saturday, alongside the Cowboys' three other Origin stars.
The Bulldogs have taken a more conservative approach, resting captain Stephen Crichton and lock Kurt Mann after State of Origin III duty.
Murray Taulagi will return from a knee injury for the Cowboys, albeit named at five-eighth at this stage with Jake Clifford sidelined by a quad injury.
Payten said Reuben Cotter was still "cheery" after the Maroons' series-deciding Origin win, with the 26-year-old to play second row for the Cowboys.
NSW hooker Reece Robson was desperate to get back playing after a disappointing Origin III, while Jeremiah Nanai was motivated after limited Origin minutes.
But Payten reserved the most praise for Dearden, who was Queensland's best in attack and defence in the decider before being named man of the series.
"Wednesday's performance was as dominant as I have seen in that arena in some time," Payten said of the 24-year-old.
"It is up there with Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns, that type of calibre.
"He deserves every accolade he gets. Works really hard, is fit as a fiddle, puts the team first and I'm glad he's at our club and leading our group."
After taking over from Daly Cherry-Evans after Queensland's series-opening loss, Payten believed Dearden showed he deserved the No.7 jersey long term.
"I don't think it, I know it. He will be tere as long as he is fit and healthy," Payten said.
"It's only a matter of time before he is captain of that state. I know Billy (Slater) thinks highly of him, I know everyone in Townsville thinks highly of him.
"What he did on Wednesday night, I know the whole state is right behind him. He should be floating on air at the moment."
Dearden will now have to be at his best to help turn the Cowboys' season around, after admitting his performance backing up from Origin II against the Sydney Roosters was 'horrible'.
With one more bye in hand in the final round, the Cowboys are three points out of the top eight after two wins from their past nine games.
Payten revealed he had told players after last week's loss to Melbourne their season was now very much on the line .
"It's coming down to the crunch," he said.
"There is no more time, we've got to get this right. It's now or never.
"It's important we focus on what we do day to day, be consistent there and perform well for 80 minutes."
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