Tom Dearden will be sidelined for North Queensland's final 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 the blow forced Dearden to report to hospital later that evening.
Dearden, whose form surge this season allowed him to make a sparkling debut for Queensland in State of Origin III, is unlikely to feature in the side's run home against in-form sides Penrith and South Sydney.
The Cowboys currently 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.
