Queensland has suffered a significant setback ahead of State of Origin Game 1, as North Queensland Cowboys star Tom Dearden has been confirmed to miss the opener due to a syndesmosis injury.
Scans have revealed that Dearden is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, requiring surgery next week, which puts his participation in Origin Game 2 in jeopardy as well.
This incident follows the controversy surrounding the tackle that caused his injury during North Queensland's match against Parramatta, leaving the Cowboys to cope without one of their key players.
His absence complicates the decision-making for Queensland coach Billy Slater as he prepares to finalize his Origin squad.
A possible solution could involve the return of veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who was dropped from the Maroons last year, while emerging players like Tanah Boyd might also be considered as new options.
North Queensland's injury woes don't stop with Dearden; hooker Soni Luke has also confirmed a high-grade MCL tear, which will keep him sidelined for at least a month.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten now faces the challenge of reorganizing his team to compensate for the losses of Dearden and Luke.
Jaxon Purdue and Scott Drinkwater are among the candidates most likely to step up and take on additional playmaking duties in the upcoming weeks.
With Drinkwater set to leave the club at the end of next season, this situation might present an opportunity for Purdue to gain crucial experience at fullback, should Drinkwater move into the halves, which is seen as his long-term role.