Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n‘One of the most incredible comebacks’ | 05:20<\/p>\n
CENTRE<\/p>\n
Incumbents: Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki<\/p>\n
Contenders: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Howarth, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, AJ Brimson<\/p>\n
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 got back in the team and back to his best amid an injury crisis at the club. The Roosters are starting to find some form, so 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 on the wing. Jack Howarth, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai and AJ Brimson could all do a job, but at this stage they are waiting on injuries to crack the starting team.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki <\/p>\n
FIVE-EIGHTH<\/p>\n
Incumbent: Cameron Munster<\/p>\n
Contenders: Ezra Mam, Tom Dearden, Sam Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Braydon Trindall<\/p>\n
Analysis: The Storm superstar is out of form like the rest of his club team, but he will be the first man picked as one of Queensland\u2019s greatest ever players and the incumbent skipper. Last year 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\u2019t the best on ground in the decider, his performance was inspirational given his father passed away just days earlier. We\u2019ve added Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Cameron Munster<\/p>\n
‘A father figure’ Foxx credits Bellamy | 00:34<\/p>\n
HALFBACK<\/p>\n
Incumbent: Tom Dearden<\/p>\n
Contenders: Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Braydon Trindall, Tanah Boyd<\/p>\n
Analysis: Easy one. Tom Dearden has been in solid form for the resurgent Cowboys this season and given his heroics in the 2025 series, he will be one of the first picked by Slater. Dearden was the best player in Queensland\u2019s 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\u2019s form this season has been mixed, as has fellow Queenslander and Roosters teammate Sam Walker, but they are both starting to click for the in form Roosters. If injury strikes Dearden, one of those two or Ezra Mam will come into the frame. Warriors half Tanah Boyd rocketed into contention after a strong start to the season, but a few injuries would have to happen for him to be picked. <\/p>\n
Verdict: Tom Dearden<\/p>\n
PROPS<\/p>\n
Incumbents: Josh Papalii and Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui<\/p>\n
Contenders: Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jai Arrow, Coen Hess, Jason Taumalolo<\/p>\n
Analysis: Josh Papalii is unlikely to come out of representative retirement again, given his calf injury and the Raiders\u2019 struggles this season, which will open up a starting spot. The other incumbent Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui 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\u2019 strong form as is Jason Taumalolo, who is now eligible to play for Queensland amid the rule changes and is in red hot form. Incumbent second-rower Reuben Cotter looms as a contender, but he will likely be needed in the back row. <\/p>\n
Verdict: Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui and Jason Taumalolo<\/p>\n
Jason Taumalolo is set to debut for Queensland at nearly 33 years of age.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
HOOKER<\/p>\n
Incumbent: Harry Grant<\/p>\n
Contenders: Max Plath, Reed Mahoney, Kurt Mann, Ben Hunt<\/p>\n
Analysis: Harry Grant is the incumbent hooker and looks set to be Queensland\u2019s starting No.9 for the rest of his career. The Storm may be in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, but Grant has been solid every week, even allowing for the Storm\u2019s struggles and he will be one of the first players picked by Slater. Ben Hunt is injured and won\u2019t be fit for game one, while Kurt Mann faces an uphill battle to retain his bench utility role given the Bulldogs\u2019 struggles. Reed Mahoney has been in good form for the Cowboys and wouldn\u2019t let anyone down if called upon. Versatile star Max Plath is in red hot form for the Dolphins and could be an Origin bolter as Grant\u2019s back-up No.9.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Harry Grant<\/p>\n
Dolphins star Max Plath is looking for a debut off the bench.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
SECOND-ROWERS<\/p>\n
Incumbents: Reuben Cotter and Kurt Capewell<\/p>\n
Contenders: David Fifita, Briton Nikora, Jeremiah Nanai, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, Brendan Piakura, Jaydn Su\u2019A, Kobe Hetherington<\/p>\n
Analysis: Incumbent Reuben Cotter is likely to hold his place, given injuries to contenders David Fifita and Jeremiah Nanai and his strong form for his club in 2026. Fellow incumbent Kurt Capewell is unlikely to earn a spot given his age, despite starring in last year\u2019s decider, but his form for the Warriors will give him a shot at a bench role and he won\u2019t let anyone down if injuries strike. 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 was nearing a recall for Queensland, but is not due back from a hamstring injury until Round 12. Jeremiah Nanai re-injured his shoulder injury against the Bulldogs and won\u2019t be available for game one. Corey Horsburgh is getting back to his best at the Raiders, but he may have to settle for a bench spot at best. Brendan Piakura and Jaydn Su\u2019A are sidelined with injury and suspension and Kobe Hetherington suffered a concussion against Penrith. All three could all do a job if injuries strike, but at this stage they are down the pecking order.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Reuben Cotter and Briton Nikora<\/p>\n
‘Ask Jarome, it’s his shout’ Foxx on PNG | 00:59<\/p>\n
LOCK<\/p>\n
Incumbents: Trent Loiero<\/p>\n
Contenders: Patrick Carrigan, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, Jason Taumalolo<\/p>\n
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, but he may be needed in the front row. Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh and Loiero are all capable of starting, but if everyone is fit there is only one player that should wear the No.13.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Patrick Carrigan<\/p>\n
Cleary furious over obstruction call | 05:56<\/p>\n
BENCH<\/p>\n
Incumbents: Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, Reece Walsh<\/p>\n
Contenders: Max Plath, 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\u2019A, Kobe Hetherington<\/p>\n
Analysis: Of the incumbent bench stars Lindsay Collins looms as the only player to hold his spot on the pine, while Patrick Carrigan and Reece Walsh have been promoted to the starting side. Jeremiah Nanai has been ruled out of contention with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for a month, while Kurt Mann is struggling for the out of form Bulldogs, which opens up four spots on the bench and a fifth for the newly introduced 19th man. Max Plath looms as the bench utility and dummy-half back-up, after his stunning form for the Dolphins, while his skipper Tom Gilbert deserves an Origin recall despite the club\u2019s mixed season to date. Broncos star Ezra Mam is the perfect X-factor player to cover the halves and even hooker if injuries or concussions strike. Kalyn Ponga is unlucky to miss the starting side, but Newcastle\u2019s $1.5 million superstar looks a certainty as cover on the bench, given he can play pretty much anywhere in the backline and also lock. Corey Horsburgh is starting to find form for the Raiders and has Origin written all over him. 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.<\/p>\n
Verdict: Max Plath, Lindsay Collins, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, Ezra Mam, Kalyn Ponga<\/p>\n
Kalyn Ponga is set for a bench role.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
PREDICTED QLD MAROONS GAME I TEAM 2026<\/p>\n
1. Reece Walsh <\/p>\n
2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow<\/p>\n
3. Robert Toia<\/p>\n
4. Gehamat Shibasaki <\/p>\n
5. Selwyn Cobbo<\/p>\n
6. Cameron Munster (c)<\/p>\n
7. Tom Dearden<\/p>\n
8. Jason Taumalolo <\/p>\n
9. Harry Grant<\/p>\n
10. Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui <\/p>\n
11. Briton Nikora<\/p>\n
12. Reuben Cotter <\/p>\n
13. Patrick Carrigan<\/p>\n
14. Max Plath<\/p>\n
15. Lindsay Collins<\/p>\n
16. Tom Gilbert<\/p>\n
17. Corey Horsburgh<\/p>\n
18. Ezra Mam <\/p>\n
19. Kalyn Ponga <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"They may be defending champions, but Billy Slater\u2019s Queensland team for Origin I is set to look very…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":650034,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[64,63,689,28820,21686,70474,145613,11170,42341,5340,4567,314350,314351,188154,314348,4457,289066,8089,4430,4424,11096,47920,4509,116763,162,21683,96720,18739,4517,208777,314347,289065,56528,1809,19069,52911,5098,4569,4494,39262,4451,17340,23995,22334,4487,4470,1136,4746,15903,27296,4466,677,27284,22329,99980,289058,701,13385,13391,4542,16205,4478,150835,3495,85,49980,132831,51349,314349,4477,52906,52510,776,15899,4412,156099],"class_list":["post-650033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australia-and-new-zealand","tag-being-spectacular","tag-ben-hunt","tag-bench-players","tag-bench-role","tag-billy-slater","tag-bombshell-decision","tag-calf-injury","tag-cameron-munster","tag-club-team","tag-coach-spoke","tag-comeback-trail","tag-concussions-strike","tag-corey-horsburgh","tag-cowboys-winger","tag-craig-bellamy","tag-daly-cherry-evans","tag-dane-gagai","tag-daniel-nuttall","tag-darren-lockyer","tag-david-fifita","tag-debut-series","tag-dolphins","tag-ezra-mam","tag-father-figure","tag-felise-kaufusi","tag-hamstring-injury","tag-health-battle","tag-incumbent-bench-stars","tag-incumbent-second-rower","tag-injuries-strike","tag-injury-crisis","tag-injury-issues","tag-injury-struggles","tag-ivan-cleary","tag-jack-howarth","tag-jai-arrow","tag-jason-taumalolo","tag-josh-addo-carr","tag-josh-papalii","tag-jye-gray","tag-kobe-hetherington","tag-kurt-capewell","tag-kurt-mann","tag-looks-set","tag-mark-st-john","tag-max-plath","tag-melanesia","tag-melbourne-storm","tag-oceania","tag-papua-new-guinea","tag-patrick-carrigan","tag-pecking-order","tag-position-battle","tag-queensland","tag-queensland-maroons","tag-reece-walsh","tag-robert-toia","tag-rule-changes","tag-sam-walker","tag-seven-game-losing-streak","tag-shoulder-injury","tag-sports","tag-starting-side","tag-starting-spot","tag-state-of-play","tag-struggling-incumbents","tag-tanah-boyd","tag-team-selection","tag-thomas-flegler","tag-tom-dearden","tag-tom-gilbert","tag-valentine-holmes","tag-yvonne-sampson"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/650033","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=650033"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/650033\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/650034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=650033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=650033"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=650033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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