By Murray Wenzel
Tom Dearden will be sidelined for North Queensland’s push for a top-two NRL regular season finish after requiring surgery on a ruptured testicle.
The in-form Cowboys halfback completed his side’s 48-4 defeat of the Warriors on Friday but lingering pain from a blow forced Dearden to report to hospital that evening.
Dearden, whose form surge this season led to a sparkling debut for Queensland in game three of State of Origin, is unlikely to feature in the side’s run home against in-form sides Penrith and South Sydney.
The Cowboys hold second spot on points differential ahead of Cronulla, who play the Bulldogs and Manly to finish the regular season.
Todd Payten could promote Ben Hampton to partner halfback and captain Chad Townsend, or shift in-form fullback Scott Drinkwater to the No.6 and reinstate Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the No.1.
Meanwhile, three Dragons players have been charged by the judiciary after their 46-26 defeat of the Titans on Sunday.
St George Illawarra were reduced to 12 men inside the final quarter when Francis Molo was sent off for a wild high shot on Patrick Herbert from a kick-off return. He has been charged with a grade three careless high tackle, and faces four matches on the sidelines with an early plea.
Mbye Moses faces two games out with an early plea after being charged with a grade two careless high tackle on Phillip Sami early in the game, while Josh McGuire has been fined $1500 for dangerous contact on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. The fine would be reduced to $1000 with an early plea.
