Dearden ruled out of Origin I: Will Cherry-Evans receive an SOS?

Queensland needs a new halfback for the 2026 State of Origin Series.

The Maroon’s worst fears were realised when North Queensland officials confirmed scans showed their co-captain Tom Dearden requires surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury in Friday night’s golden point loss to Parramatta.

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The club said Dearden will have surgery next week and is set for a 6-8 week recovery period, ruling him out of the first two matches of the State of Origin series which begins in Sydney on May 27.

Elevated into the Maroons starting line-up in place of Daly Cherry-Evans for the final two matches of 2025, Dearden was instrumental in leading Queensland to a 2-1 victory last season, winning the Wally Lewis Medal as 2025 Player of the Series.

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With the 25-year-old ruled out, head coach Billy Slater and his fellow selectors now need to decide how to replace him at No.7 with a return for Cherry-Evans one of the obvious options.

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Others include Broncos veteran Ben Hunt, Warriors playmaker Tanah Boyd and Cherry-Evans’ Sydney Roosters halves partner Sam Walker.

Queensland and NSW are expected to announce their Game I squads following NRL Round 11.

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State of Origin 2026: Match Schedule