Queensland's State of Origin hopes have been dealt a significant setback following the news that incumbent halfback Tom Dearden will be sidelined for up to two months due to an ankle injury. The reigning Wally Lewis Medallist sustained a syndesmosis injury during North Queensland Cowboys' extra-time NRL loss to the Parramatta Eels on Friday night and is expected to miss between six and eight weeks.
Dearden to Undergo Surgery
Dearden will undergo surgery next week and is guaranteed to be absent for at least the first two matches of the Origin series. Should he require the full eight-week recovery period, he would not return until after the third game, scheduled for July 8 in Brisbane.
Impact on the Maroons
Dearden was instrumental in Queensland's comeback 2-1 series victory last year, replacing captain Daly Cherry-Evans as halfback for game two. The Cowboys co-captain, renowned for his explosive running game, earned the Wally Lewis Medal as the player of the series. His absence is a major blow for both the Cowboys and the Maroons.
Although his form has been inconsistent this season, Dearden was considered a certain starter for the Origin opener. Possible replacements include Sam Walker and Ezra Mam, both of whom are uncapped at Origin level, while newly-fit Ben Hunt is another contender, though he has primarily played hooker in recent Origin campaigns.
Daly Cherry-Evans, a 26-time Origin veteran, stated earlier this year that he would remain open to an Origin recall if Dearden or Cameron Munster were unavailable. Queensland captain Munster is expected to retain the five-eighth jersey despite a slow start to the NRL season with Melbourne.
Further Challenges for Slater
Dearden's injury is another headache for coach Billy Slater, who is already without stalwarts Jeremiah Nanai and Xavier Coates for the series opener. Several other incumbent Queensland players, including Munster, Val Holmes, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Trent Loiero, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Harry Grant, have also faced form concerns this year.
Injury Details
The Cowboys confirmed that Dearden suffered the injury during a try-saving tackle by Josh Addo-Carr in the second half of Parramatta's 33-30 upset victory. Addo-Carr applied pressure to the back of Dearden's legs but was neither penalised nor charged by the match review committee. Dearden appeared in significant pain but initially continued playing before leaving the field ahead of extra time.
In addition, the Cowboys announced that back-up hooker Soni Luke will miss a month with a knee injury sustained in the same game.
