As many as 12 players from the Queensland team that lifted the State of Origin shield last year are fighting to keep their place for this year’s series.
With the series opener just three weeks away, attention has turned to team selection as Laurie Daley and Billy Slater prepare to name their squads for Game 1 next weekend.
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Queensland’s pick and stick policy will be put to the test this year with several players from last year’s team out of form or injured. Code Sports reported 12 players from last year’s series decider are fighting to keep their jersey.
Cameron Munster is under pressure to keep his spot in the side amid a nightmare run of form for the Storm, but it would be a major shock if Slater was to overlook the Maroons captain.
High flying winger Xavier Coates is still sidelined with a chronic Achilles injury, while Maroons stalwart Valentine Holmes is doubtful to be picked given his poor form at the Dragons.
Slater took a punt on Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki as his centres pairing last year, and while both players haven’t set the world on fire this year, there are not a heap of alternatives.
Several changes are expected in the forwards with Kurt Mann, Trent Loiero and Kurt Capewell considered outsiders to keep their spot from Game 3 last year.
Josh Papali’i came out of Origin retirement last year but the Raiders veteran won’t be picked this time around.
Pat Carrigan and Reuben Cotter are certain starters, but Jeremiah Nanai is focusing on club football at the Cowboys are returning from a long injury lay-off.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has been down on form for the Titans, while Lindsay Collins suffered a concussion last weekend.
It means Slater could blood some debutants this year, with Dolphins utility Max Plath firming as a likely selection following his breakout season.
Slater could opt for Plath, Kalyn Ponga or Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam in the No. 14 utility jersey, with the 19-man game-day squad to give Origin coaches added flexibility.
North Queensland’s Heilum Luki and Dolphins second rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki are in-form options should Slater look to shake up his forward pack.
Meanwhile, NSW is facing an injury crisis with several first choice forwards set to miss Game I.
Star forwards Payne Haas (MCL injury) and Liam Martin (MCL injury) are not expected to be available selection, while Angus Crichton is in doubt with a minor MCL sprain.
Winger Jacob Kiraz is currently sidelined with a knee injury and Tigers utility Adam Doueihi has gone down with a serious shoulder injury.
Broncos star Kotoni Staggs is set to miss out on a hotly contested spot in the NSW centres after being handed a two-week ban for an ugly tackle against the Roosters.
Speaking on news.com.au’s Extended Bench podcast, James Maloney backed Panthers young gun Casey McLean to be picked for NSW and Dolphins flyer Jack Bostock as a candidate for a spot on the wing after he made a successful return from his ACL injury.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said on Sky’s Big Breakfast show he is considering McLean, Tom Jenkins, Josh Addo-Carr, Campbell Graham and Manly’s Tolu Koula for a spot in his backline.
“You’ve got the option of possibly picking Tolu Koula on the wing – he’s someone that is very versatile, plays centres, playing fullback at the moment for Manly. He’s someone that could play out on a wing,” Daley said.
“Casey McLean has played wing for New Zealand before, and I’ve got a huge opinion of Casey and think he’s a wonderful player. He’s another one that we will look at. Tommy Jenkins has obviously been playing there, you know what you’re going to get with the Fox (Addo-Carr), Brian To’o – we’ve got a lot of players to choose from.”
In the forwards, Spencer Leniu and Stefano Utoikamanu are on the outer given their form at clubland this year.
Maloney backed Addin Fonua-Blake and Keaon Koloamatangi to picked in the front row in the absence of Payne Haas.
PREDICTED NSW BLUES GAME I TEAM 2026
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Casey McLean
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Reece Robson
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Connor Watson
15. Jacob Preston
16. Cameron Murray
17. Campbell Graham
18. Jackson Ford
19. Jack Bostock
PREDICTED QLD MAROONS GAME I TEAM 2026
1. Reece Walsh
2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
3. Robert Toia
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Tom Dearden
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Heilum Luki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Max Plath
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Tom Gilbert
17. Corey Horsburgh
18. Ezra Mam
19. Kalyn Ponga
