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Queensland’s State of Origin<\/a> campaign has been thrown into uncertainty after Tom Dearden<\/a> suffered a syndesmosis injury that could potentially rule him out for the entire series.<\/p>\n Dearden had firmly established himself as Billy Slater’s first-choice halfback after a breakout 2025 campaign, with his rise culminating in a Wally Lewis Medal performance during last year’s series victory.<\/p>\n Now, Slater faces arguably his biggest selection dilemma since taking over as Maroons<\/a> coach.<\/p>\n Does he return to the proven experience of Daly Cherry-Evans<\/a> and Ben Hunt<\/a>?<\/a> Or bring in debutants like Jamal Fogarty<\/a>, Tanah Boyd<\/a>, or Sam Walker<\/a>?\u00a0<\/p>\n Each option brings vastly different strengths, experience levels and risks, leaving Queensland with no obvious replacement for one of the most important positions on the field.<\/p>\n Here are the five leading contenders to wear Dearden’s Maroons<\/a> jersey.<\/p>\n 5. Ben Hunt<\/p>\n Ben Hunt<\/a> perhaps sits in the middle of experience and unconventional when it comes to Queensland’s replacement options for Tom Dearden<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Hunt is a proven halfback, he has not consistently played the role in recent seasons, regularly shifting between hooker and the halves throughout his career.<\/p>\n Still, few players understand the demands of State of Origin<\/a> better than the veteran playmaker.<\/p>\n His most iconic career moment came in the Origin arena back in 2022, when he sealed Queensland’s Game 3 victory with a famous intercept try after charging down a Nathan Cleary<\/a> kick, helping the Maroons<\/a> secure a 22-12 win and series triumph.<\/p>\n Although Hunt was playing hooker that night, the moment showcased exactly why Queensland have relied on him for so long, composure, competitiveness and the ability to deliver in pressure moments.<\/p>\n Importantly, Hunt’s experience at halfback should not be overlooked.<\/p>\n During his seven seasons at the Dragons, he primarily played in the 7 jersey and has also consistently filled the role for Brisbane whenever Adam Reynolds<\/a> has been sidelined through injury.<\/p>\n