​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Queensland’s State of Origin preparations have suffered a major setback after Tom Dearden was ruled out for up to two months with an ankle injury. The North Queensland halfback sustained a syndesmosis injury during Friday night’s 33 30 golden point loss to Parramatta in Townsville. The timing is significant because it will sideline Dearden for at least the opening two matches of the 2026 State of Origin series against New South Wales.

Dearden will undergo surgery next week and is expected to miss between six and eight weeks.

That recovery window means the reigning Wally Lewis Medallist will not be available for the series opener in Sydney on May 27 or the second match.

If the full eight week rehabilitation period is required, he would not return to action before the third and final game in Brisbane on July 8.

Major loss for Queensland

Dearden had been widely regarded as a certain selection for Origin I despite mixed club form this season.

The 25 year old remains one of Queensland’s most influential recent Origin performers. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Maroons spine at a critical point in the lead up to the series.

Queensland’s coaching staff will now need to reassess their halves combination and determine whether experience or long term planning should shape the selection call.

Losing an established halfback just weeks before the opening match also places extra pressure on the wider squad to quickly settle combinations.

Dearden starred in last year’s series win

Dearden played a decisive role in Queensland’s 2 1 State of Origin series victory last year.

He was elevated to halfback for Origin II after replacing captain Daly Cherry Evans in one of the key tactical moves of the campaign.

His energy, composure and attacking influence helped lift Queensland after the Maroons had fallen behind in the series.

By the end of the campaign, Dearden had been named player of the series and awarded the Wally Lewis Medal.

That performance cemented his standing as a major part of Queensland’s future and made him one of the first names expected to be selected for 2026.

Club form had been mixed

While Dearden’s State of Origin credentials were strong, his form for North Queensland this season had been less consistent.

Even so, there had been little doubt over his likely place in the Maroons side.

The injury occurred during a dramatic defeat to Parramatta in Townsville on Friday night. North Queensland lost 33 30 in golden point, but the more significant consequence may prove to be Dearden’s absence over the next two months.

Syndesmosis injuries often require careful management because of the demands they place on lateral movement, acceleration and kicking mechanics. For a halfback, those elements are central to both game control and defensive positioning.

Selection focus turns to possible replacements

Queensland now faces an important decision over who will wear the number seven jersey in Sydney.

Sam Walker and Ezra Mam have both emerged as leading options for the series opener.

Both players bring creativity and attacking instinct, but neither has played State of Origin football.

That lack of Origin experience may influence selectors given the pressure and intensity of the opening match.

Ben Hunt is another possible option. Hunt offers significant representative experience and has handled major game situations throughout his career.

However, he has largely played at hooker in recent Origin campaigns rather than as a starting halfback.

The balance between proven experience and fresh attacking energy is now likely to become one of the defining selection discussions ahead of the opening game.

Queensland’s preparation disrupted

The Maroons had appeared well placed to build around continuity after last year’s series success.

Dearden’s injury changes that picture. Rather than entering camp with an established halfback, Queensland must now prepare with uncertainty around one of the most important positions on the field.

That challenge becomes even greater against a New South Wales side that will look to take advantage of any disruption in the Maroons’ combinations.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Dearden begins rehabilitation and Queensland finalises its plans.

For now, the immediate priority is surgery and recovery. For the Maroons, attention turns to finding the right replacement before the opening whistle in Sydney.