Matters of State: Which superstar lineup will be the Maroons' spine?

After being part of one of Queensland’s greatest ever spines during his decorated 31-game Origin career, Maroons coach Billy Slater knows exactly the sort of players he needs in the key positions as he chases a third straight series win.

During the Maroons’ remarkable decade of dominance from 2006-16, Slater played fullback in a powerhouse spine that also included Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

In his two years as coach, Slater has had modern day Maroons maestros Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant calling the shots, along with evergreen skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, who made his Origin debut alongside Slater in Game 2, 2013.

Stability in the spine has been a key to Queensland’s success under Slater, with Ben Hunt, Cherry-Evans and Grant having played all six games during the past two years and Munster appearing in five.

Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden earned his debut in the final game of the 2022 series when Munster was ruled out with COVID, while gun Bronco Reece Walsh exploded onto the scene in 2023 after Ponga chose to sit out the series due to ongoing concussion concerns.

Walsh’s suspension for contrary conduct ruled him out of Game Three last year and it was AJ Brimson who slotted into the No.1 jersey in the dead rubber at Accor Stadium.

As the Maroons go in search of a third straight series triumph, Slater has a host of in-form players at his disposal for Game 1 in enemy territory on June 5, with the Lisfranc injury suffered by Ponga against the Bulldogs the only major hiccup.

Since debuting in Game 2, 2018, the reigning Dally M Medalist has played just seven of a possible 16 Origin games and he'll be a frustrated onlooker when the series kicks off in Sydney.

The fullback contenders

Reece Walsh – born for the Origin stage

After launching his Origin career with two slashing displays in Games 1 and 2 last year, the 21-year-old whiz kid was right in the picture for the No.1 jersey even before Kalyn Ponga’s foot injury. The Broncos fullback has overcome a facial fracture to quickly return to his best form, carving the Raiders up with 199 run metres, two tries, six tackle breaks and three line breaks in Round 7. Set to follow in the footsteps of his coach and become a champion No.1 for the Maroons.

AJ Brimson - speed to burn

Made his Origin debut at fullback in 2020 as the Wayne Bennett-coached Maroons pulled off a stunning series upset before playing two games off the bench in 2021 and filling in for Walsh in Game 3 last year. Has found the going tough in an under-performing Titans side but revels in the Origin arena when surrounded by elite players. Could do a job at fullback or five-eighth for Slater if the need arises, and has even slotted in at centre for the Titans this year.

Tabuai-Fidow opens the scoring

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - Phins up, baby!

The dashing Dolphin has scored five tries in four Origin games including a double in last year's series opener in Adelaide. All those appearances came in the centres but the Hammer also boasts an impressive strike rate at fullback for the Dolphins. The 22-year-old is one of the most dynamic attacking weapons in the NRL and can be counted on to do a mighty job for the Maroons in whatever position he is needed. Will likely be in the outside backs but could certainly come into contention for the No.1 jersey should Walsh be unavailable.

The five-eighth contenders

Cameron Munster - big game specialist

A central figure in three series wins in the past four years, Munster is the master of picking his moment and coming up with an inspirational play to turn a game. The Storm superstar took last year's series opener by the scruff of the neck in Adelaide, laying on the first try for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow with a perfectly weighted grubber before bamboozling the Blues defence to set up the match-winner for the Hammer with seven minutes to play. A two-time man of the match winner, Munster is a favourite of teammates and fans alike, but a nightmare for opponents with his ability to turn a game in a heartbeat.

Ezra Mam's incredible Grand Final hat-trick

Ezra Mam - excitement machine

Anyone capable of scoring three tries in the space of 10 minutes in a grand final is going to be right at home in the Origin cauldron. Stil only 21 but already carving out a reputation as one of the NRL's most lethal attacking weapons. Whether it be at five-eighth or as a bench impact player, Mam could prove a real X-factor for the Maroons should Slater decide to give him an opportunity. Already boasts 28 tries in his 45 NRL games and was voted Dally M five-eighth of the year in 2023.

Tom Dearden - tough as they come

Covered himself in glory in 2022 when he was called up by Billy Slater for the decider at Suncorp Stadium as a 21-year-old. Set up the game's opening try for Cowboys teammate Val Holmes and looked right at home at the top level as Queensland stormed to a 22-12 victory. Also came up with 103 run metres, a line break and 29 tackles to announce himself as a star of the future. In recognition of Dearden's standing at the Cowboys he was named co-captain this year alongside fellow Maroon Reuben Cotter.

Slater full of praise for Dearden

The halfback contenders

Daly Cherry-Evans - getting better with age

Since fighting his way back into the Maroons team in 2018 after three years on the outer, DCE has played 16 straight Origins and captained his state to series wins in 2020, 2022 and 2023. The Maroons' on field general is playing as well as ever at 35 years young and knows what it takes to get the job done in the Origin arena. His supreme kicking game and man management skills will again be pivotal to Queensland's quest for glory.

Ben Hunt - the magic Dragon

The 34-year-old has been in rare form at club level and could slot seamlessly into the halfback role should Cherry-Evans be unavailable for any reason. In seven games this season Hunt has come up with 13 try assists, four line break assists and four forced dropouts, inspiring the revitalised Red V to four wins, just one less than the table topping Sharks and Storm. 

Sam Walker - waiting in the wings

The Roosters No.7 got a taste in 2022 when he was part of the extended squad for Game Three and would love nothing better than to follow in the footsteps of uncle Chris, who played six Origins in 2001-02. Has missed the Roosters' last two games due to concussion but has plenty of time left to find his form and build confidence should Slater need him at any time during the series. 

The hooker contenders

Ben Hunt - Mr Versatile

Whether it be as starting hooker or coming off the bench, Hunt has proven himself the embodiment of an 'Origin player'. The 34-year-old provides the perfect 1-2 punch with Harry Grant, both men bringing unique skills to the dummy half role and proving the perfect foil for one another. Hunt has started at hooker in five of six games since Slater took over in 2022 and could well have the inside running based on his superb start to the season for the Red V.

Hunt wins Origin for Queensland

Harry Grant - Maroons are wild about Harry

The Storm hooker has come from the bench in six of his eight Origin games, typically injected into the action around the 20-minute mark to exploit tired forwards with his explosive speed out of dummy half. Gets through a power of defence in the middle and still finds the spark to get the attack rolling with Storm buddy Munster and the evergreen Cherry-Evans. Part of the new generation of Maroons who have their sights set on another dynasty and at 26 he is in the sweet spot of his Origin career. Should Hunt be unavailable for selection or forced to cover another position, Grant has shown he would be more than capable of playing 80 minutes on the big stage.