Tom Dearden is set for a new role amid the return of Cameron Munster and the injury to Ben Hunt, while an in-form Titans star is set to finally earn a debut.
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Here, foxsports.com.au takes a look at the Queensland Maroons team selection state of play.
FULLBACK
Incumbent: Reece Walsh
Contenders: Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, AJ Brimson
Analysis: The two-horse race for the Queensland fullback jersey looks to be settled after an injury hampered one contender’s chances. Broncos gun Reece Walsh suffered a PCL injury, all but ruling him out of being fit for the series opener, leaving Kalyn Ponga as the obvious selection. Walsh wore the No.1 jersey in Queensland’s 2024 series loss, with Ponga being called up for a single appearance off the bench in the decider at Suncorp Stadium. It came after the Knights gun was forced to withdraw from the 2023 series due to concussion issues, which ultimately saw him consider his future in the game before going on to win the Dally M Medal that same year. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and AJ Brimson are outside chances, with the Dolphins gun likely featuring elsewhere in this side.
Verdict: Kalyn Ponga
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WINGERS
Incumbent: Xavier Coates (Game I and II), Murray Taulagi (Game I and II), Selwyn Cobbo (Game III), Valentine Holmes (Game III)
Contenders: Xavier Coates, Murray Taulagi, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Xavier Savage, Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Analysis: Both Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi were injured for Game III last year, sparking a big backline reshuffle. However, it’s likely both those stars will regain their spots, delivering for the Storm and Cowboys respectively this season. Coates’ running game was a highlight of the last series, with Cameron Munster also kicking to him as a focal point of Melbourne’s attack this season. North Queensland have returned to form this season and so has their gun winger, scoring seven tries in his past six games, with four of those being wins. The major danger in this battle is Selwyn Cobbo, who has been impressive for the Broncos at fullback. Cobbo was picked on the bench in Game I last year, before he was dropped for Game II and subsequently recalled for the series decider. Xavier Savage, meanwhile, has been tipped as an outside chance if injuries strike, having flown out of the gates in 2025 with career best season at the Raiders. While earlier in the season, who partnered Coates was considered to be a tough call, Taulagi’s form will likely see him secure the position.
Verdict: Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi
CENTRES
Incumbent: Valentine Holmes (Game I and II), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Dane Gagai (Game III)
Contenders: Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Dane Gagai, Selwyn Cobbo, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jack Howarth
Analysis: The centre position had to be reshuffled in the 2024 decider after injuries on the wings, with Valentine Holmes shifted out wide. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow played all three games in the centres, and it’d be an absolute shock to see him ousted from this Queensland outfit. After early season struggles, Tabuai-Fidow and the Dolphins have delivered a handful of impressive performances of late. The 23-year-old also consistently takes his game to a new level in the Origin arena. Who he partners in the centres is an easy decision for Slater, with Valentine Holmes being the frontrunner. He has a wealth of Origin experience and has hardly ever let his state down across his 19 appearances, having made his debut in 2017 and scored 13 tries to date. Dane Gagai is the incumbent and has been in solid form, but the Knights’ struggles means he’s likely to be leapfrogged in the pecking order with the emergence of two other Queensland-eligible centres. While Holmes is the obvious inclusion, the form of Broncos journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki can’t be discounted if injuries strike. Since signing a train-and-trial deal under Michael Maguire, the former Cowboys and Knights gun has been simply excellent at left centre, beating out Deine Mariner who many consider one of Red Hill’s brightest talents, and he has scored five tries in 10 games this season. Selwyn Cobbo is another option in the centres if there are casualties, but his best way into the team appears on the wing at this stage. Storm grand final star Jack Howarth delivered a career-best string of performances, locking down a centre spot to close out the 2024 season while also beginning his 2025 campaign in solid fashion, but injury has ruled him out of contention. While Tabuai-Fidow and Holmes are once again tipped to take the centre spots, there’s more competition than ever in the centres, which provides good depth if injuries strike throughout the series.
Verdict: Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
FIVE-EIGHTH
Incumbent: Tom Dearden
Contenders: Tom Dearden, Cameron Munster, AJ Brimson
Analysis: Who wears the No.6 jersey is a brutal but simple decision for Billy Slater. A groin injury saw Cameron Munster sit out for the entire 2024 series, with Tom Dearden shining in his absence for both Queensland and Australia last year. The Cowboys gun was huge in a beaten Maroons side last year and he isn’t deserving of being dropped, particularly given he was the best player in the Kangaroos’ Pacific Championships series win last year. However, Munster is a Queensland legend and a renowned big-game player. The Storm gun is one of very few NRL players who can create something from nothing and is exactly the sort of never-back-down player Queenslanders love. Slater simply cannot leave a player of his quality out of his team, particularly as they are trying to win back the shield. Dearden and AJ Brimson shape as the next two best options if injuries strike, with both players performing in the No.6 for their respective teams, but Munster is simply elite and must be picked if fit.
Verdict: Cameron Munster
Hynes not motivated by SOO this year | 00:43
HALFBACK
Incumbent: Daly Cherry-Evans
Contenders: Daly Cherry-Evans, Braydon Trindall, Toby Sexton, Jayden Campbell, Jamal Fogarty
Analysis: There were doubts Daly Cherry-Evans would play in the 2025 series as the Maroons captain considered hanging up his rep footy boots. The Sea Eagles superstar has been front and centre in the headlines to start the season, declaring he would be leaving Brookvale at the end of the year amid strong links to the Roosters. Retirement has long been a point of discussion around the 36-year-old but he looks set to play on in the NRL in a rival’s colours. Cherry-Evans recently told Slater that not only will he play for the Maroons in 2025, but he also desires to play on in 2026, which would make him the oldest player to ever represent Queensland. “Provided I am playing a level high enough to be picked, I am keen to get back in there and win the series for Queensland,” Cherry-Evans said in early 2025. Queensland are notorious for picking and sticking, but there are reports if they lose game one that Cherry-Evans could be dropped, given his poor form for Manly, but that would be a brutal call given his service to his state. In the unlikely event of an injury to the durable Cherry-Evans, there’s a host of players vying for selection in the Maroons No.7 jersey. Braydon Trindall, Toby Sexton and Jamal Fogarty have all been impressive for their respective club teams in 2025, while Jayden Campbell made the Titans’ halfback position his own early in the season before an ankle injury has ruled him out until Round 12; and he is more of a development player for the future. Tom Dearden began his career at the Broncos as a halfback and will play there for the Cowboys this week after Jake Clifford was dropped in favour of Jaxson Purdue at five-eighth. Ben Hunt has been plying his trade for the Broncos in the halves but his injury will likely rule him out for the series, so Dearden looms as the next can off the rank after DCE.
Verdict: Daly Cherry-Evans
PROPS
Incumbent: Reuben Cotter (Game I and Game II), Lindsay Collins (Game I and Game II), Moeaki Fotuaika (Game III), Felise Kaufusi (Game III)
Contenders: Corey Horsburgh, Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, Moeaki Fotuaika, Felise Kaufusi, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Analysis: After a successful return from injury this season, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is set to feature at lock in the Maroons team, while a switch in clubland could see Pat Carrigan line up in the front row. The Broncos gun has been sensational since making his positional switch, and while his new role is only slightly different to what he used to produce, he’s been a part of one of the best front-row duo in the competition with Blues star Payne Haas. That leaves one spot alongside him, and a number of enforcers are in line to take it, or one of four on the pine. Slater has a wealth of front-rowers to choose from, with Lindsay Collins, Moeaki Fotuaika, Reuben Cotter, Corey Horsburgh and Felise Kaufusi all in the frame. Collins has spent time sidelined with injury in 2025, but his experience in the Origin arena is invaluable, however he has played off the pine during the majority of his 12 games for Queensland and will likely feature there once again. Horsburgh has a single Origin appearance to his name and looks set to add to it after his hot form for the Raiders, who are in the top two on the ladder, but he may have to settle for a spot on the bench. Kaufusi was drafted into Slater’s outfit in Game I last year as a replacement player, before playing 10 and 16 minutes in the following two games, but his Origin days are likely over unless injuries strike. Fotuaika has been churning out some impressive performances for the Titans this season and will likely find a spot in the 17, but again might have to settle for the pine. The man to partner Carrigan could be the versatile Cotter, who has become a regular fixture for Queensland since making his debut in 2022. The Cowboys gun produced some big minutes displays across the 2024 series, playing 69 and 70 minutes at prop before shifting to the back row in the decider, and once again remaining on the field for 66 minutes. Being one of Slater’s most loyal servants, Cotter is the likely man to get the nod to join Carrigan. A two-match ban for a high tackle on Marata Niukore in Magic Round threw a spanner in the works, but he will be back in time for Origin I.
Verdict: Pat Carrigan and Reuben Cotter
HOOKER
Incumbent: Ben Hunt (Game I and II), Harry Grant (Game III)
Contenders: Harry Grant, Reed Mahoney
Analysis: It’s a pretty simple selection decision here for Billy Slater. The No.9 has been shared by Harry Grant and Ben Hunt over the past few seasons, but it is the Storm rake’s jersey for the rest of his career. Grant is arguably the best hooker in the game and looks set to wear the No.9 again in 2025. Injury has sidelined him in recent weeks but he is expected back in Round 11. Hunt has been a loyal servant for the Maroons, but injury has all but ruled him out of the series and his form for Queensland has been patchy anyway. Tom Dearden is an option on the bench after starring for state and country last season in the absence of Cameron Munster. Reed Mahoney has been solid for the Bulldogs and could be a smokey, but his lack of versatility could hurt him in a bid to grab a bench spot. Still, if Grant does not make a successful comeback in time, Mahoney deserves to finally get an Origin debut.
Verdict: Harry Grant
BACK-ROWERS
Incumbent: Jaydn Su’A (Game I and II), Jeremiah Nanai (Game I and II), Reuben Cotter (Game III), Kurt Capewell (Game III)
Contenders: Jaydn Su’A, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell, Max Plath, Tom Gilbert, Beau Fermor
Analysis: Slater made a huge decision in leaving David Fifita out of his 2024 squad, with the Titans superstar failing to feature in a single game. He’s now injured after being dropped by Des Hasler and faces an uncertain future at the Titans. Jeremiah Nanai was dropped to the bench in Game III last year, while was axed from the Cowboys’ first grade team altogether by Todd Payten in 2025, who cited defensive concerns. However, since his Round 2 omission, Nanai has regained his starting spot for North Queensland and has shown enough strong form to put him back in the mix for Queensland and his X-factor and try-scoring ability is crucial for Queensland without Fifita. Fellow incumbent Jaydn Su’A has been impressive under Shane Flanagan at the Dragons this season, having missed out on the 2024 series decider due to injury. However, the Dragons were of the belief he was not being hampered by any sort of injury at the time. Max Plath was excellent for the Dolphins, shifting to an edge with Tom Gilbert returning from an ACL injury, before copping a foot injury. Gilbert is the likely man to earn a back row spot, having filled the role in Game I of the 2023 series. Beau Fermor has also been solid for the Titans this season, but he will likely earn an Origin debut on the pine.
Verdict: Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Gilbert
Teddy not expecting Blues call-up | 00:38
LOCK
Incumbent: Pat Carrigan
Contenders: Tom Gilbert, Kobe Hetherington, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Mann
Analysis: With Pat Carrigan shifting to prop, the No.13 jersey has been left vacant and a host of elite forwards are in the hunt to play at lock. Tom Gilbert has been impressive on return from a 2024 pre-season ACL injury, having made his Origin debut in Game III of the 2022 series and injuring himself in Game I of 2023. The Dolphins skipper is hard as nails, and looks set to return to the Origin arena as mentioned above. Kobe Hetherington, having made the lock spot his own for the Broncos, has also been tipped to be included in Slater’s squad, while Cotter is another experienced figure who has featured for Queensland on multiple occasions. But the obvious candidate to wear the No.13? Titans superstar Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Returning from an ACL injury he suffered during Round 3 of the 2024 season, the 25-year-old has been simply excellent under Des Hasler, leading the Gold Coast pack from the front. Fa’asuamaleaui made his Origin debut in 2020 and didn’t miss a game until he was sidelined in 2024, playing off the pine, at lock and in the front row. Carrigan and Fa’asuamaleaui will play similar roles in this outfit, and either could wear the No.10 or No.13 jersey. However, we’re tipping the former Storm star to get the nod with Carrigan firing in the front row.
Verdict: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
BENCH
Incumbent: Harry Grant (Game I and II), Ben Hunt (Game III), Moeaki Fotuaika (Game I and II), Lindsay Collins (Game III), J’maine Hopgood (Game I), Felise Kaufusi (Game II), Jeremiah Nanai (Game III), Selwyn Cobbo (Game I), Kurt Capewell (Game II), Kalyn Ponga (Game III)
Contenders: Tom Dearden, Moeaki Fotuaika, Lindsay Collins, J’maine Hopgood, Felise Kaufusi, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kurt Capewell, Tom Gilbert, Kobe Hetherington, Beau Fermor, Kurt Mann
Analysis: Ben Hunt was set to be the perfect No.14, before injury all but ruled him out for the series. After brutally losing his five-eighth spot, Tom Dearden is the leading contender to replace Hunt, but he is not quite as versatile. That has sparked reports Bulldogs lock Kurt Mann is being considered for a bench spot in Billy Slater’s side. Lindsay Collins’ experience at Origin level will also win him a spot, having played every game of the last four series, winning an impressive seven of 12, with three series wins. The Roosters veteran has also delivered a host of highlight plays, with his aerial effort to outleap club teammate James Tedesco in the 2023 series. Collins has been sidelined since Round 5 with a knee injury, but is set to return against the Bulldogs and if he can get through that game, Slater will almost certainly pick him. Corey Horsburgh has roared back into contention with his leading role in Canberra’s resurgence and is a red-hot chance of earning a second jersey after his 2023 debut. Moeaki Fotuaika would be unlucky to miss out, amid his fine form for the Titans, but Collins could just edge him out. Those selections see J’maine Hopgood, Felise Kaufusi, Selwyn Cobbo and Kurt Capewell miss out after featuring in the forward pack and off the bench last year, while the other casualties from starting positions above include Jaydn Su’A and the injured Reece Walsh.
Verdict: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Corey Horsburgh, Beau Fermor
PREDICTED MAROONS TEAM
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Xavier Coates
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Pat Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Jeremiah Nanai
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Tom Dearden
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Corey Horsburgh
17. Beau Fermor
18. Kurt Mann
19. Moeaki Fotuaika
