A New Injury Blow
The North Queensland Cowboys’ campaign for a finals berth has suffered a significant setback, with star halfback Tom Dearden ruled out for at least three weeks. The 25-year-old co-captain sustained a high-grade peroneal muscle avulsion tear in his shin during the Round 20 clash against the Dolphins. Notably, the injury occurred on his ‘good leg,’ opposite to the syndesmosis injury that sidelined him for much of the 2026 season, including the State of Origin series.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed the diagnosis on Friday, describing the injury as a “bit of a hiccup” while acknowledging the player’s resilience. Despite the severity of the tear, Dearden managed to complete the match against the Dolphins, a testament to his toughness, according to Payten. The club has announced that Dearden will undergo rehabilitation with the goal of returning late in the season, though no specific return date has been set.
Tactical Reshuffle
The loss of Dearden forces an immediate adjustment to the backline ahead of the high-stakes Queensland Derby against the Brisbane Broncos. Jaxon Purdue is set to transition from the centres to partner Jake Clifford in the halves, while Zac Laybutt returns to the starting side to fill the vacancy in the centres. This pairing is familiar to the coaching staff, as Purdue and Clifford played together during the period of Dearden’s earlier injury layoff.
Reflecting on the team’s ability to cope, Payten noted that the squad has had significant experience playing without their co-captain this year. “We’ve had plenty of practice without him. We’ve had seven games, we won four of those,” Payten stated, expressing confidence in the current lineup’s ability to replicate the success seen in recent victories against Penrith and Manly.
The Finals Stakes
Occupying eighth place on the NRL ladder, the Cowboys face a demanding finish to their regular season. With 10 wins on the board, North Queensland effectively needs to secure victory in at least three of their remaining six matches to guarantee a spot in the finals. The upcoming schedule includes matches against the Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast, and Parramatta, followed by a bye and final home games against Wests Tigers and Canberra.
The medical challenge of managing recurring leg injuries for a playmaker of Dearden’s intensity adds a layer of uncertainty to the team’s late-season prospects. While the club remains pragmatic about the rehabilitation process, the reliance on a makeshift halves combination during the most critical juncture of the year will test the depth of the Cowboys’ roster.