Queensland’s Origin Hopes Under Threat
Queensland’s State of Origin hopes have been dealt a major setback after it was revealed that halfback Tom Dearden will miss up to two months due to an ankle injury. The news comes as another key player, Valentine Holmes, prepares for scans on a shoulder injury sustained during St George Illawarra’s loss to Newcastle on Saturday.
Dearden suffered a syndesmosis injury in North Queensland’s extra-time NRL loss to Parramatta on Friday night and is expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery next week and is guaranteed to miss the first two games of the Origin series. If he requires the full eight weeks to recover, Dearden would not play again before game three, which is set to take place in Brisbane on July 8.
Dearden played a crucial role in Queensland’s comeback victory in the 2025 series, stepping in as halfback for game two after replacing captain Daly Cherry-Evans. His performance earned him the Wally Lewis Medal as the series’ best player. However, his form has been inconsistent this season, despite being considered a strong candidate for the opening game.
Kalyn Ponga, who is vying for a fullback spot with the Maroons, expressed his disappointment upon hearing the news of Dearden’s injury. “I feel for Tommy. I know how hard he works, how much he loves his footy, how much he loves Queensland,” Ponga said after the Knights’ defeat of the Dragons. “He’s going to be shattered. Queensland’s going to be shattered.”
Sam Walker and Ezra Mam are potential replacements for the series opener in Sydney on May 27, but both are uncapped at Origin level. Ben Hunt, who has recently returned to fitness, is another option, though he has primarily played hooker for Queensland in recent years.
Cameron Munster, the current Queensland captain, looks set to retain the five-eighth jersey despite a slow start to the NRL season with Melbourne. Dearden’s absence is another challenge for coach Billy Slater, who is already without key players Jeremiah Nanai and Xavier Coates for the series opener.
Holmes could also be sidelined if the scans reveal a more serious shoulder injury, despite playing until the end of St George Illawarra’s 44-10 loss in Wollongong. Interim coach Dean Young was unsure of the injury’s severity after the match, stating, “It’s not my concern, I’ve got more to worry about than Queensland’s Origin team.”
The Cowboys confirmed that Dearden suffered his injury during a try-saving tackle from Josh Addo-Carr in the second half of the Eels’ 33-30 win. Addo-Carr applied pressure to the back of Dearden’s legs but was not penalised or charged by the match review committee. Dearden appeared in significant pain but initially continued playing before leaving the field ahead of extra time. He watched as captain and would-be Origin rival Mitch Moses secured the win for Parramatta.
North Queensland has also confirmed that backup hooker Soni Luke will miss a month due to a knee injury sustained against the Eels. This adds to the growing list of challenges for the Maroons as they prepare for the upcoming Origin series.
