‘Pain off the charts’: Cowboys star undergoes surgery on ruptured testicle

Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden has reportedly suffered a ruptured testicle, being rushed to the hospital for surgery on Saturday night.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Tom Dearden of the Cowboys runs the ball during the round 23 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 19, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden has reportedly undergone surgery on a ruptured testicle suffered during the club’s 48-4 win over the Warriors.

In a huge blow to Todd Payten’s side, the 21-year-old will likely miss North Queensland’s crucial clash against the Rabbitohs, eyeing a return in Round 25 according to a club statement.

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But, according to the NRL Physio, Dearden could be sidelined for two to four weeks, potentially ruling him out for the first two weeks of finals football.

Tom Dearden required surgery after rupturing a testicle in Rd 23 (via @7michellebishop). Usually requires 2-4 weeks recovery. Pain obviously off the charts - thankfully if treatment performed within 2-3 days 90% make a full recovery with no long term implications (fertility etc)

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 21, 2022

The Cowboys are eyeing off a top-two finish but currently sit level with the Sharks, two points ahead of the Storm in fourth.

Tom Dearden has suffered one of the most painful injuries. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Cowboys face a tough run home, playing two of the competition’s in-form teams — the Panthers and Rabbitohs.

Now without Dearden, Ben Hampton will likely be the man to pair Chad Townsend in the halves and will be tasked with filling Dearden’s shoes until he returns from the brutal injury.

The Maroons playmaker managed to attend the Cowboys post-match function before consulting with the club’s doctor the following morning about pain in his crotch.

Dearden was then taken to hospital to undergo surgery on Saturday night.

Originally published as ‘Pain off the charts’: Cowboys star undergoes surgery on ruptured testicle