Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater is considering a major Maroons selection overhaul ahead of Game One against New South Wales on May 27. Injuries to Tom Dearden, Xavier Coates and Jeremiah Nanai have accelerated a possible reset, with reports suggesting as many as nine incumbents could miss selection. The decision matters because it could reshape the Maroons for the opening match of the 2026 series and potentially mark the biggest generational shift of Slater’s tenure.
The most significant blow came with Dearden’s injury. Queensland’s first choice halfback will miss six to eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury during North Queensland’s 33 30 loss to Parramatta on Friday.
The Cowboys playmaker will undergo surgery in the coming days. He is now ruled out of the first two Origin matches and faces a race against time to be available for Game Three at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.
Slater weighing bold reset
Rather than preserving the core of last year’s group, Slater is reportedly considering substantial changes.
According to reports, Gehamat Shibasaki, Valentine Holmes, Trent Loiero and Kurt Mann are among players under pressure. Canberra veteran Josh Papalii is also not expected to make himself available for selection.
Queensland also has another injury concern with Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi racing the clock after concussion.
The scale of the possible reshuffle has led to comparisons with Wayne Bennett’s famous 2001 campaign, when Queensland introduced 10 debutants and won the series 2 1.
Slater is expected to name his squad next week and has made clear that previous Origin achievements will not guarantee selection.
“I don’t get caught up on individuals,” Slater told The Courier Mail.
“I make sure I am across everyone’s habits, how they are playing and the standard of their footy compared to where they were in previous years.”
“One thing I do know is it’s hard to flick a switch.”
“You can’t play like a park footy player all year and then expect to play like a Queensland Origin player in May. It doesn’t happen like that.”
“You have to build habits in your game, irrespective of where you have been and what you have done in prior years.”
New contenders emerge
A number of fresh names have moved into the selection conversation.
Heilum Luki, Cooper Bai, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jojo Fifita, Max Plath, Briton Nikora, Jaxon Purdue, Sam Walker and Ezra Mam have all been identified as leading contenders for what could become a youthful Maroons lineup.
That potential group reflects the next generation of Queensland talent and would represent a significant departure from established combinations.
The approach would also align with Slater’s willingness to make bold calls. Last year he stood down captain Daly Cherry Evans after the opening match and handed Rob Toia an Origin debut after only 10 NRL appearances.
Halfback decision looms large
Dearden’s absence creates the most important selection call in the squad.
The leading options are Roosters teammates Daly Cherry Evans and Sam Walker. Both offer contrasting qualities, with Cherry Evans bringing extensive Origin experience and Walker offering attacking creativity and current form.
While the halfback debate continues, Queensland is expected to retain Cameron Munster and Harry Grant in the spine despite mixed club form at Melbourne this season.
That continuity would give Slater a degree of stability around whichever player is chosen to replace Dearden.
Fullback battle adds intrigue
Another major question surrounds the fullback position.
Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga and Hamiso Tabuai Fidow are all firmly in contention. Only one can start at fullback, while the others may need to shift roles.
Former New South Wales halfback Greg Alexander believes Ponga should wear the number one jersey.
“I said I would start with Kalyn Ponga. I would say that I would be in the minority,” Alexander said on SEN Radio.
“Most people would be going Reece Walsh. Ponga could probably handle getting thrown in from the interchange bench because it’s something he’s done already.”
“The first game he played in Origin in 2018, he played the middle. He just went out there and played in the middle and could probably handle that better than Reece Walsh.”
However, current Queensland captain Cameron Munster expects Ponga may instead fill the utility role.
“I think Kalyn probably steals that 14 position,” Munster said on 100% Footy.
“I think Kalyn can play every position, same with Hammer, so I’m sure they’ll both be in the 19.”
That view would likely see Walsh start at fullback, with Tabuai Fidow also capable of moving into the centres.
Holmes honest on selection chances
Valentine Holmes has openly admitted he may not have done enough to earn selection.
The experienced outside back has struggled for consistency at St George Illawarra this season and said he would understand if selectors looked elsewhere.
“One thing he’s always said, no matter how many times you’ve worn the jersey, you’ve got to earn it and I haven’t earned it this year,” Holmes said.
“It just is what it is. We’re not playing great footy. I’m not playing great.”
“The selectors want to be selecting players who are playing good, playing confidently, and because you only play three games out there and you have to win two of them.”
Holmes has played 22 matches for Queensland and featured in all three games last year, but Xavier Coates’ injury may still leave the door open.
Addo Carr puts hand up for Blues recall
On the New South Wales side, Josh Addo Carr has declared his interest in an Origin return.
The Parramatta winger last represented the Blues in 2023 and has emerged as a possible option following Zac Lomax’s move to rugby union.
“I’m always thinking about it,” Addo Carr said.
“Those are the teams you want to be in. That’s the pinnacle of rugby league, Origin and playing for Australia.”
“If that opportunity comes up, I will definitely take it with both hands.”
Addo Carr faces competition from Campbell Graham, Daniel Tupou, Sunia Turuva and Thomas Jenkins for a place in the New South Wales squad.
Slater’s final selections will reveal whether Queensland opts for continuity or a major reset. With injuries forcing change and form placing established names under pressure, Game One could mark the beginning of a new Maroons era.