The Cowboys’ NRL finals hopes have taken a massive hit after a fresh injury setback for captain Tom Dearden that is expected to rule him out until Round 26. The Maroons Origin star had only just returned in last week’s loss to the Dolphins after being sidelined since Round 10 with a syndesmosis injury.
But the club revealed in a statement on Friday that the star playmaker had suffered a fresh injury on his opposite leg, ruling him out of Saturday night’s Round 21 home game against the Broncos. “Dearden suffered a high-grade peroneal muscle avulsion tear on the opposite leg to the syndesmosis injury, which had sidelined the 25-year-old since Round 10,” the club statement read.
The Cowboys’ NRL finals hopes have taken a hit after coach Todd Payten (L) revealed Maroons Origin star Tom Dearden (centre) was expected to miss their next four games with injury. Pic: Getty
“After consultation with Cowboys medical staff, Dearden will attempt to rehab the injury to return late in the season. There is currently no specific timeframe for his return.”
However, North Queensland coach Todd Payten suggested on Friday that his influential skipper was eyeing a return after the Cowboys’ bye in Round 25. “A bit of a hiccup during the week, Tommy Dearden has been ruled out for the next three weeks, he’ll be back after the bye,” Payten told reporters.
Tom Dearden is expected to miss the Cowboys’ next four games with a shin injury, having only just recently returned from a syndesmosis issue. Pic: Getty
The Cowboys coach revealed that his skipper picked up the injury during last week’s defeat to the Dolphins but played on through the pain. “He’s torn a muscle in his shin on his good leg,” Payten explained.
“He did it just after halftime and managed to finish the game, which again highlights his toughness. It was through some discovery through the week, and some concern from Tommy, that we were able to get to the bottom of it.”
Tom Dearden blow comes at crucial time for Cowboys
Jaxon Purdue is expected to slot into the halves alongside Jake Clifford in the absence of Dearden. That will likely see Zac Laybutt promoted from the bench to take Purdue’s spot at centre for Saturday night’s crunch clash against Brisbane in Townsville.
But the Dearden setback comes at a crucial time for North Queensland, whose NRL finals hopes are hanging in the balance. Payten’s side are currently eighth on the ladder, two points clear of Manly and the Bulldogs, but facing a desperate Broncos side that have to win to keep their premiership defence alive.
Dearden is also expected to be sidelined for upcoming games against the Roosters (home), Titans and Eels (both away), before potentially making his return in the penultimate round against the Wests Tigers. The Cowboys finish their regular season at home to Canberra.
