They may be defending champions, but Billy Slater’s Queensland team for Origin I is set to look very different than the side that clinched the shield last season.

Injuries to Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt have thrown the spine selections into chaos, while the returns of David Fifita and Kalyn Ponga are set to effect some incumbent stars.

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Here, foxsports.com.au takes an early look at the Queensland Maroons team selection state of play.

FULLBACK

Incumbent: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Contenders: Ponga, Tabuai-Fidow, Reece Walsh, Isaiah Iongi, AJ Brimson, Jye Gray

Analysis: This position battle has become so much more intriguing in the past few days after the injury to Reece Walsh. The Broncos star didn’t feature for Queensland last season but given his red-hot form in the 2025 finals and Ashes series, he was the presumed favourite to win the Maroons’ No. 1 for the opening Origin battle. Walsh is set to miss at least six weeks with a cheek fracture, meaning it’ll be touch and go whether he’ll be fit enough when Game 1 squads are selected on May 18. Kalyn Ponga was Slater’s option for the opening two games of the series before injury kept him out of the decider. Like Walsh, Ponga is sidelined with an injury, but he is slated for a return in early May, giving him plenty of time to stake his case. Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow can be trusted upon in the No.1 jersey although he has the versatility to play in the centres and on the wing as well. Because of this, he probably won’t be considered at fullback unless Ponga and Walsh are unavailable. Souths star Jye Gray is a bolter. His 2026 form has been sensational and despite his diminutive size, he plays well above his weight and wouldn’t look out of place in this arena. As a great fullback should, he pops up everywhere, and he’s done just that in defence, recording several try-savers this season. His coach Wayne Bennett certainly thinks Gray has what it takes. “Of course he’s up to it, he’s playing at a high level every week in the NRL; if you can play at the level he can play at in the NRL, he can certainly play Origin,” Bennett said. Isaiah Iongi and AJ Brimson add to some impressive depth at fullback for Queensland, but the former is injured at this stage.

Verdict: Kalyn Ponga

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Kalyn Ponga looks set for an Origin recall after Reece Walsh’s injury.Source: Getty Images

WINGERS

Incumbents: Xavier Coates and Valentine Holmes

Contenders: Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Murray Taulagi

Analysis: If fit, Xavier Coates would be the first winger selected but he’s in doubt to be back in time for Origin I. Coates underwent surgery for a nagging Achilles injury in late February, ruling him out for nearly three months. He may not be back for Game I and if he is, it’s unlikely he’ll make a return in an Origin fixture, so if he’s back in early to mid-May, he’s a chance. Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi didn’t feature last season mostly due to injury. He’s enjoyed a strong start to the year (six tries), is a favourite of Billy Slater and always plays well in this arena. He should be earning a spot in the Game 1 side. Valentine Holmes is badly out of form, which could see Selwyn Cobbo earn a recall to the Origin arena if the Dolphins can get back on track.

Verdict: Murray Taulagi and Selwyn Cobbo

CENTRE

Incumbents: Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki

Contenders: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Howarth, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai

Analysis: Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki were stars for Queensland last season, but they have got off to slow starts in 2026. Shibasaki was dropped by the Broncos and has only just returned to the team. If the Roosters can find some form Toia is a good chance to hold onto his spot, but who partners him may depend on whether Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is needed on the wing or at fullback. Tabuai-Fidow has also had a slow start to the season with the Dolphins, but given he has never let Queensland down he will be picked somewhere and at this stage most likely at centre. Jack Howarth, Valentine Holmes and Dane Gagai could all do a job, but at this stage they are waiting on injuries to crack the starting team.

Verdict: Robert Toia and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

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FIVE-EIGHTH

Incumbent: Cameron Munster

Contenders: Ezra Mam, Tom Dearden, Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Braydon Trindall

Analysis: The Storm superstar will be the first man picked. Munster took over as Maroons captain for Games 2 and 3 after the axing of Daly Cherry-Evans and led his state to two straight wins to be a perfect 2/2 as Queensland skipper. While he wasn’t the best on ground in the decider, his performance was inspirational given his father passed away just days earlier. We’ve added Walker and Cherry-Evans’ name among the contenders as they will likely be the first two Slater thinks of if one of Munster or Dearden cop an untimely injury or suspension for the Origin opener, while Ezra Mam is likely to be bench cover for his Origin debut.

Verdict: Cameron Munster

HALFBACK

Incumbent: Tom Dearden

Contenders: Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Braydon Trindall, Tanah Boyd

Analysis: Easy one. Tom Dearden hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire for the Cowboys this season, but he’ll be one of the first picked by Slater. Dearden was the best player in Queensland’s Game 3 win by a fair margin, which helped him collect the Wally Lewis Medal as Player of the Series. He was able to achieve this even though he only started two games. In the opener, he wore No. 14 as Daly Cherry-Evans started. When Slater made the bombshell decision to drop the champion half, Dearden was promoted into the starting side alongside Cameron Munster. DCE’s form this season has been mixed. As has fellow Queenslander and Roosters teammate Sam Walker. If injury strikes Dearden, one of those two or Ezra Mam will come into the frame. Warriors half Tanah Boyd rocketed into contention after the first three rounds but his form has cooled a little since.

Verdict: Tom Dearden

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PROPS

Incumbents: Josh Papalii and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Contenders: Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jai Arrow, Coen Hess, Jason Taumalolo

Analysis: Josh Papalii is unlikely to come out of representative retirement again, given the Raiders’ struggles in what is likely his final season for the club, which will open up a starting spot. The other incumbent Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is a lock despite the Titans struggles, but who partners him is up in the air. Thomas Flegler is back playing for the Dolphins and could do a job, but that would be a big ask given his time out of the game with a shoulder injury. Felise Kaufusi and Moeaki Fotuaika have never let Queensland down, but at this stage are down the pecking order. Coen Hess is a chance given the Cowboys’ strong form as is Jason Taumalolo, who is now eligible to play for Queensland amid the rule changes. Jai Arrow remains sidelined at Souths, but could do a job if he can get back on the field for his club. However, incumbent second-rower Reuben Cotter looms as the likely starting prop given his versatility.

Verdict: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Reuben Cotter

HOOKER

Incumbent: Harry Grant

Contenders: Ben Hunt, Kurt Mann

Analysis: Harry Grant is the incumbent hooker and looks set to be Queensland’s starting No.9 for the rest of his career. Grant has been in hot form to start the year, even allowing for the Storm’s struggles and he will be one of the first players picked by Billy Slater. Ben Hunt is injured and is unlikely to be fit for game one, while Kurt Mann will likely be the bench utility in his absence. If Grant gets injured Queensland could be looking at a dummyhalf crisis for game one, but as it stands he will wear the No.9.

Verdict: Harry Grant

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SECOND-ROWERS

Incumbents: Reuben Cotter and Kurt Capewell

Contenders: David Fifita, Briton Nikora, Jeremiah Nanai, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, Brendan Piakura, Jaydn Su’A, Kobe Hetherington

Analysis: Incumbent Reuben Cotter is likely to start in the front row, while fellow incumbent Kurt Capewell is unlikely to earn a spot given his age, despite starring in last year’s decider. Briton Nikora is now eligible to play for Queensland and will likely earn a starting spot if he can find some consistency for the Sharks and put his injury struggles behind him. Reborn Souths second-rower David Fifita is nearing a recall for Queensland and if he keeps up his form, Billy Slater may give him a shot at redemption. Jeremiah Nanai and Corey Horsburgh are also options, but they may have to settle for a bench spot at best. Brendan Piakura, Jaydn Su’A and Kobe Hetherington could all do a job if injuries strike, but at this stage they are down the pecking order.

Verdict: David Fifita and Briton Nikora

David Fifita looks set for an Origin recall.Source: Getty Images

LOCK

Incumbents: Trent Loiero

Contenders: Patrick Carrigan, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, Jason Taumalolo

Analysis: Trent Loiero is the incumbent No.13 and was solid without being spectacular in his debut series, but Patrick Carrigan deserves to wear the jersey in 2026. Despite being dropped to the bench last year, Carrigan is one of the best locks in the game and has been in hot form to start the year for the Broncos. Jason Taumalolo is now eligible and adds to some impressive Queensland depth at lock, with Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh and Loiero all capable of starting. But if everyone is fit there is only one player that should wear the No.13.

Verdict: Patrick Carrigan

Madden ices it in golden point | 00:38

BENCH

Incumbents: Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Walsh

Contenders: Kalyn Ponga, Isaiah Iongi, Xavier Savage, Selwyn Cobbo, Dane Gagai, Jack Howarth, Ezra Mam, Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jai Arrow, Coen Hess, Ben Hunt, Reed Mahoney, Tom Gilbert, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Corey Horsburgh, Brendan Piakura, Jaydn Su’A, Kobe Hetherington

Analysis: Three of the incumbent bench stars in Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins and Jeremiah Nanai are expected to hold their places, despite the Cowboys star being on the comeback from an injury ravaged start to the year. Patrick Carrigan will likely start and Reece Walsh is injured, which opens up two spots on the pine. Dolphins skipper Tom Gilbert deserves an Origin recall despite the Dolphins’ struggles, while Broncos pair Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki can cover for backline injuries. There are no shortage of other players waiting in the wings if injuries strike, but on form these are the bench players deserving of getting first crack at defending the Shield.

Verdict: Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Jeremiah Nanai, Tom Gilbert, Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki

Ezra Mam looks set for an Origin debut after the injury to Ben Hunt.Source: Getty Images

PREDICTED QLD MAROONS GAME I TEAM 2026

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Murray Taulagi

3. Robert Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Cameron Munster (c)

7. Tom Dearden

8. Reuben Cotter

9. Harry Grant

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. Briton Nikora

12. David Fifita

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Kurt Mann

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Tom Gilbert

17. Jeremiah Nanai

18. Ezra Mam

19. Gehamat Shibasaki