Billy Slater’s Selection Dilemma
Billy Slater has made it clear that he will not be seeking input from Cameron Munster or other senior Maroons players as he prepares to finalize a new-look team for the State of Origin opener. This decision comes as plans have been thrown into disarray following an ankle injury sustained by halfback Tom Dearden over the weekend, which could keep him out for up to eight weeks.
Dearden’s absence opens the door for a potential debutant in the No.7 jumper, but it could also see Slater and the selectors revisit past decisions and bring back former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, less than a year after he was axed. While several names are in the running to replace Dearden, most believe the selection is a two-horse race between the Roosters halves.
Sam Walker, Jake Clifford, Ezra Mam, and Tanah Boyd are among the other options, but the focus remains on the competition between the Roosters’ halfbacks. The expectation is that Munster will remain in his five-eighth and captaincy role, despite a dip in form prior to Melbourne’s 44-16 win over the Tigers on Sunday.
However, the coach denied he would ask for Munster’s opinion regarding the halfback spot, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with him. “Sometimes you discuss things with your players, especially senior players and those who have been there for a long period of time — but I’ve never discussed selection with the players,” he said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“The players play and that’s their job. When you’re put in a position like I am, you hold a responsibility to make those decisions and not have other people make those decisions. That sits with myself, I consult with the selectors Darren Lockyer and Gene Miles and I talk to our coaching team. At the end of the day, when you’ve got the responsibility, you’ve got to make the decisions that you think are best for the footy team.”
Key Selection Challenges
The race to secure the halfback spot isn’t the only big call for Slater and his team. Pressure is mounting on incumbents such as Valentine Holmes, Gehamat Shibasaki, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Trent Loiero, Kurt Mann, and Lindsay Collins. Meanwhile, players like Jeremiah Nanai (injury) and Josh Papali’i (retired) are unavailable.
The Courier Mail has reported that several other names are in the mix for a debut in game one, and Slater is adamant he is across every eligible player. He emphasized that he is keeping a close eye on how they perform under the bright lights of Magic Round.
“By now, you’ve got a fair idea of how everyone plays,” he said. “There’s still a round of footy to go and you want all Queensland players playing well. I’m sure every Queensland player going up to Suncorp Stadium will want to play well, they are playing in their home state and they want to put their best foot forward.”
“One thing I can guarantee you is I’m not just starting to look at players now, just because situations like this arise. I’ve been doing this for 10 weeks now, making sure that I know every Queenslander’s habits and how they’re going and what they bring. When situations like this arise, you’re not trying to backtrack — you’ve got a good idea of where everyone sits and you can make a calculated decision.”
Potential New Faces
Among the potential fresh faces for Queensland in the series opener are in-form back-rowers Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Titans speedster Jojo Fifita, and young guns Jaxon Purdue and Cooper Bai, who have all entered selection discussions.
Bai would be an incredible selection, having only played U19s for the Maroons last year before bursting onto the scene with the Titans at the back-end of the season.
Sharks enforcer Briton Nikora is also a potential option, with the change in eligibility rules allowing the New Zealand-born edge forward to play Origin. One name who is almost guaranteed a call-up is Dolphins utility Max Plath, who would be a perfect No.14 and can cover a variety of roles off the bench.
Alongside some new faces, Slater could also go back to players who have represented Queensland in the past but didn’t feature in the 2025 campaign, such as Francis Molo, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, AJ Brimson, Dane Gagai, and Murray Taulagi.
Slater’s squad will be named after the conclusion of Magic Round on Sunday night.
