Queensland Maroons veteran Ben Hunt has expressed confidence in the ability of Sam Walker and Tanah Boyd to step up and fill the halfback role left vacant by Tom Dearden, who is sidelined due to a syndesmosis injury. Dearden will miss the series opener in Sydney on May 27 and may not be available for game two in Melbourne on June 17.
Dearden’s absence is a significant blow to the Maroons, as he was in top form this season, leading the competition for line engagements (79) and ranking third for try assists (11), second in line break assists (14), and second for line break involvements. Coach Billy Slater now faces the challenge of selecting a new halfback, with several options on the table.
The most experienced players are Daly Cherry-Evans, Jamal Fogarty, and Hunt, who recently returned from calf and knee injuries respectively. However, if Slater prefers a more direct and fast-paced style of play, Sam Walker emerges as a strong candidate. Walker has engaged the line more than any other No.7 contender (43 times) and has the most forced drop-outs (10). His average of 84 running metres per game makes him a key threat, trailing only Jake Clifford (85) and Jayden Campbell (113).
Jake Clifford also presents a compelling case with his powerful kicking game and strong defensive record (90.1% efficiency). Meanwhile, Tanah Boyd has shown promise after guiding the Warriors to the top two. He ranks in the NRL’s top five for points (92), line break involvements (11), kick metres (4839), and attacking kicks (70), while contributing 10 try assists.
Hunt praised Boyd’s performance, stating: “He’s been superb, the Warriors are obviously playing some really good footy, and he’s been the spearhead of that. He had a rough start at the Titans, but he’s got a new lease on life over there. He’s a really good defender, his best attribute is probably his kicking game – and that’s something in Origin that’s really important getting you out of trouble. If he gets a shot, he’ll be good.”
Hunt also expressed confidence in Walker, saying: “I don’t see why not. He’s playing some really good footy, him and Chez [Cherry-Evans] both are playing really good. It’s kind of like Tommy last year, people didn’t think he was up for it, he got the opportunity, and was our best player. Sammy’s a good little player and if he got the opportunity, I think he’d stand up.”
Halfback Favourites and Contenders
Favourite:
Sam Walker
Contenders:
Tanah Boyd, Jake Clifford, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jamal Fogarty, Braydon Trindall, Ben Hunt, Jayden Campbell
Unavailable:
Tom Dearden
Fullback
Favourite:
Reece Walsh
Contender:
Kalyn Ponga
Reece Walsh was expected to add to his five Origin caps after leading the Brisbane Broncos to a premiership win and earning the Clive Churchill Medal. However, his 2026 form has been affected by a fractured cheekbone, which kept him out of three games. Since returning, Walsh has struggled against Manly but showed signs of improvement in a recent match against the Roosters.
Kalyn Ponga, who missed six weeks due to a hamstring issue, has been consistent since his return, recording three try assists and over 200 metres per game. His performances have made him a strong contender for the fullback spot.
Wingers
Favourites:
Murray Taulagi and Selwyn Cobbo
Contenders:
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Dane Gagai, Phil Sami, Jojo Fifita, Valentine Holmes
Unavailable:
Xavier Coates
Murray Taulagi remains in doubt after sustaining a concussion in round eight. If fit, he could be a key addition given Xavier Coates’ Achilles injury and Valentine Holmes’ dip in form. Taulagi, known for his aerial threat, should be joined by Selwyn Cobbo, who has improved his work rate since leaving the Broncos. However, Cobbo’s handling errors remain a concern.
Centres
Favourites:
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Robert Toia
Contenders:
Thomas Chester, Dane Gagai, Jaxon Purdue, Gehamat Shibasaki
Robert Toia has continued his strong performance in 2026, scoring six tries and averaging 105 metres per game. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who has scored nine of his 11 Origin tries in the centres, could be shifted to the wing, opening the door for a bolter like Tom Chester.
Five-eighth
Favourite:
Cameron Munster
Despite Melbourne’s poor start, Cameron Munster will retain his position as Maroons captain. He has shown resilience, scoring two tries in a recent match against the Tigers.
Props
Favourites:
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Lindsay Collins
Contenders:
Corey Horsburgh, Tom Gilbert, Thomas Flegler, Reuben Cotter, Moeaki Fotuaika
Unavailable:
Jai Arrow
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will lead the prop rotation, while Lindsay Collins, despite a dip in form, remains a reliable option. Corey Horsburgh is the favourite for the bench, with Tom Gilbert likely to edge out Thomas Flegler.
Second Row
Favourites:
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Reuben Cotter
Contenders:
Heilum Luki, Jaydn Su’A, Beau Fermor, Briton Nikora
Unavailable:
David Fifita, Jeremiah Nanai, Brendan Piakura
Reuben Cotter has performed strongly on the edge, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Heilum Luki are emerging as potential debutants.
Lock
Favourite:
Pat Carrigan
Contenders:
Trent Loiero, Cooper Bai
Unavailable:
J’maine Hopgood
Pat Carrigan, despite not producing the same numbers as before, still averages 144 running metres and 46 tackles per game.
Hooker
Favourite:
Harry Grant
Harry Grant has been consistent, scoring a try and setting up two more in a recent match. He also recorded three line breaks and 44 tackles.
Utility
Favourite:
Max Plath
Contenders:
Kurt Mann, Kodi Nikorima, Ben Hunt
