Queensland's State of Origin preparations have been dealt a significant blow with veteran utility Ben Hunt facing the prospect of missing the series opener after suffering a hamstring injury in St George Illawarra's 22-14 defeat to South Sydney. Meanwhile, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been cleared to play after escaping sanction for a high shot in the Titans’ narrow loss to Newcastle.

The 35-year-old Hunt left the field in visible discomfort during the first half of Friday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. The playmaker later confirmed his worst fears — it wasn’t a simple cramp but something more serious.

"I knew it wasn't a cramp or something like that, it felt a bit more than that. I knew something was pretty wrong straight away," Hunt said post-match, acknowledging the severity of the issue and the rarity of such injuries in his long and durable career.

Scans were scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Brisbane to determine the full extent of the damage, but Hunt did not hide his pessimism about returning in time for Origin I on May 28.

"It definitely hurts," he admitted.

"Whether Billy was going to have me in there again or not, I'm unsure, but it's definitely disappointing to know that you're definitely not in the picture."

Hunt has been a mainstay of the Queensland side over the past several years, playing a key utility role and often providing critical back-up to starting hooker Harry Grant. His contribution in the Maroons’ 2021 triumph earned him the prestigious player of the series accolade, further cementing his reputation as one of Queensland’s most reliable Origin performers.

For coach Billy Slater, Hunt’s likely absence creates a significant selection conundrum. As someone capable of seamlessly filling in at dummy-half, halves, or even in the middle, his versatility has long provided Slater with much-needed depth and flexibility on the bench.

With Hunt potentially sidelined, Slater will need to rethink his interchange strategy. Two names that could come into the frame are Reed Mahoney and Kurt Mann. Both have the ability to provide cover at hooker, and both have been in solid form for their clubs. Mahoney, the tenacious Bulldogs rake, offers defensive grit and an 80-minute engine, while Mann’s utility value — having played in the halves, at hooker, and even as a lock — mirrors some of what Hunt brings to the table.

Alternatively, Slater could opt for a bold strategic shift — choosing to include an extra halfback on the bench. This would likely involve selecting the five-eighth not chosen for the starting side between Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden. Such a move would allow Queensland to rotate its spine with fresh legs and sharp playmaking, though it would come at the expense of a specialist No.9 substitute.

While the setback to Hunt casts a shadow over the Maroons’ early Origin preparations, the news surrounding powerhouse forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is far more encouraging. The Gold Coast Titans skipper was placed on report during the opening set of their clash against Newcastle on Friday night for a high shot on Knights prop Leo Thompson. The incident raised immediate concerns about a potential suspension that could derail Fa'asuamaleaui’s hopes of donning the Maroons jersey again.

But those fears were swiftly eased when the NRL’s match review committee elected not to charge Fa'asuamaleaui, thereby clearing him for selection in Origin I.

The 24-year-old forward has been in outstanding form for the Titans throughout the 2024 season and remains a cornerstone of Queensland’s forward pack. Known for his aggression, stamina, and leadership, Fa'asuamaleaui’s presence will be vital as Queensland look to continue their winning ways in the Origin arena.

Despite the Titans’ disappointing 24-20 loss to the Knights, Fa'asuamaleaui’s individual performance stood out, reaffirming his status as the side’s most consistent and impactful player this season. With his name now free of judiciary concerns, coach Slater can breathe a sigh of relief knowing at least one pillar of his side remains intact.

For Hunt, the coming days will offer greater clarity. Should scans confirm a significant tear, it could spell weeks on the sideline and an end to his hopes of one final Origin campaign this year. And while he acknowledged he wasn’t certain of selection, the chance to once again represent Queensland was one he clearly cherished.

As always with Origin, the road to Game I is paved with injury updates, form fluctuations, and selection debates. Hunt’s setback and Fa'asuamaleaui’s reprieve are just the beginning of what promises to be another compelling build-up to rugby league’s fiercest contest.