Queensland Origin Halfback Crisis: Dearden Injury Sparks Selection Debate

Injury to Tom Dearden

Queensland State of Origin halfback Tom Dearden is out for 6-8 weeks due to a syndesmosis ankle injury. He is currently expected to miss the first two games of the 2025 series and may miss the entire competition.

Dearden is facing a lengthy recovery that could sideline him for the full 2025 State of Origin series.

Contingency Plans

Queensland coach Billy Slater is evaluating replacement candidates. Identified contenders include:

• Daly Cherry-Evans (Sydney Roosters) – 26 Origin games, former captaincy experience
• Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters) – Current Roosters number seven

Pundit Analysis

Rugby league pundits have offered differing assessments of the replacement options.

Andrew Johns Favors Walker

Andrew Johns has indicated he favors Sam Walker, citing Walker's unpredictable style as suited to the faster ruck pace of Origin football. Johns stated Walker is "probably just in front" of other options and ruled out Jamal Fogarty, Tanah Boyd, Ezra Mam, and Kalyn Ponga for the halfback role.

Brad Fittler Backs Cherry-Evans

Brad Fittler has stated a preference for Cherry-Evans, citing his experience and game management. Fittler noted that Queensland's existing attacking players (Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Cameron Munster) reduce the need for Walker's creativity.

Coach and Player Statements

Slater has stated he will not consult Cameron Munster on his choice of halves partner. Slater also described the tackle by Josh Addo-Carr that injured Dearden as accidental and not illegal.

Developments for the Decider

Cameron Munster later indicated that Tom Dearden could be included in the Queensland squad for the State of Origin decider, despite Sam Walker's performances.

Walker made his Origin debut and was named one of Queensland's best in Game I, also receiving man of the match honors in Game II.

Munster said of Walker: "He's going good. He's going outstanding. Queensland's in good hands."

Regarding Dearden, Munster said: "We've got Tommy Dearden coming back as well, so the three of us could be a big force. I can't see why it wouldn't work."

A possible role for Dearden could be the number 14 jersey, which would likely see Reece Walsh omitted from the bench. Dearden is expected to return for the North Queensland Cowboys against the Penrith Panthers in round 17.