Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater will announce his team for Game 1 of the State of Origin series on Monday morning, with all eyes on who will play halfback — amid reports it will be Kalyn Ponga, who has never before played at No.7.

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Tom Dearden suffered a serious ankle injury last week, ruling him out of contention for the Origin opener.

It seemingly left the door open for Daly Cherry-Evans to be recalled, although Roosters teammate Sam Walker is another option along with North Queensland’s Jake Clifford.

All may go begging, with Slater reportedly to deliver a bombshell pick with Ponga in No.7 alongside Cameron Munster at five-eighth. The move has not come entirely out of the blue, having been touted by FOX League analyst and Queensland grat Cooper Cronk, who said that Ponga was largely playing as a half in attack for Newcastle.

Walker is still in the frame for a squad position but Clifford and DCE will reportedly miss out.

Kalyn Ponga of the Maroons.Source: Getty Images

CODE Sports’ reporter Peter Badel delivered some startling updates on the Maroons line-up on Sunday morning, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow tipped to edge out Reece Walsh for the fullback spot. Tabuai-Fidow could have played centre, but the pairing will reportedly be Gehamat Shibasaki — who was dropped by Broncos coach Michael Maguire just weeks ago — and Robert Toia. Walsh is also tipped for a squad spot and has a final audition on Sunday in Broncos v Warriors.

Jojo Fifita is tipped as a shock debutant wing pick alongside Selwyn Cobbo, while Tom Flegler could make a heart-warming return in the pack after almost losing his career to a shoulder injury.

Max Plath and Jaxon Purdue are both in the mix for bench/squad spots, while NZ Test forward Briton Nikora is tipped to become the first Maroon to benefit from loosened eligibility rules with selection for a debut off the bench.

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Slater will name his team at 9am on Monday. Foxsports.com.au will have you covered with the team when it drops, along with all analysis on the biggest winners and losers.

Follow along in our live blog for the latest QLD Maroons selection news and whispers!

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