Queensland star Tom Dearden looks in serious doubt for the State of Origin series opener later this month following an ugly tackle during North Queensland's 33-30 golden point loss to Parramatta on Friday night.
Dearden made a break midway through the second half with the hosts leading 24-22, only to be dragged down near the try line in an awkward tackle by Eels duo Josh Addo-Carr and Joash Papalii. It wasn't a conventional hip-drop tackle, but the Cowboys halfback was soon wincing in pain.
He bravely played out the rest of regulation time in the match, unable to be replaced as the Cowboys had used all their interchange players. Dearden was then spotted in the sheds at fulltime sporting an iced ankle, with the number seven now racing the clock to line up for the Maroons in Game 1 in Sydney on May 27.
Footy fans were quick to condemn Addo-Carr on social media for his role in the tackle. 'I think Addo-Carr is gonna get suspended for that. Small consolation for the Cowboys,' said one on X. 'Addo-Carr hip-dropping to help NSW,' felt another. 'No sin bin. Why not?' asked a third.
Speaking on Fox League, commentator Braith Anasta felt the incident 'didn't look good.' 'And it progressively got worse as he stayed on the field. This is concerning for Queensland,' he said. 'If it is a bad injury, he's a huge loss for Queensland and for the Cowboys.'
Former Maroons coach Kevin Walters added: 'Tom Dearden, that's a big one. He's in such good form. His running game was brilliant. Not good signs for Queensland or Tommy. He was limping around, he's going to miss at least a couple of weeks.'
Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed post-game that Dearden would undergo scans on his ankle this weekend to determine the severity of the injury. 'He's a tough kid, wanted to stick it out. Fingers crossed,' he said.
