Queensland Coach Billy Slater Set for Selection Surprises
Queensland coach Billy Slater is set to make some major selection shocks when he names his Maroons Origin squad on Monday. One of the most anticipated decisions is the No.7 jersey, with Kalyn Ponga reportedly winning the battle over Sam Walker. The Dolphins fullback, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Sharks back-rower Briton Nikora are also expected to be among the big winners for the Maroons. However, Broncos superstar Reece Walsh may have to settle for a bench role.
The Magic Round clash between the Cowboys and Roosters on Saturday night was seen as a battle for the Queensland halfback role between Walker and North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford. The Cowboys emerged victorious in a gutsy 18-12 win, with Walker’s long kicking game standing out—something that would be very useful at Origin level.
Despite this, it’s understood that Slater is set to follow a “wild” selection call from legendary Maroons No.7 Cooper Cronk by thrusting Ponga into the halves for Game 1 against the Blues on May 27 in Sydney. Cronk, who backed the Knights superstar for the five-eighth role, expressed concerns over Walker’s defense and long kicking game, making the Ponga-Munster combination his ideal Maroons halves pairing.
“I am not part of the (Queensland) selectors or anything like that, but I would be seriously considering Munster at seven, Kalyn Ponga at six and Reece Walsh at No.1,” Cronk told News Corp. “Kalyn Ponga has played very well for Queensland every time he has played, he has been physical, he gets it. It’s a bit wild, but those two guys (Munster and Ponga) are rock solid for Queensland. It’s a threat … I feel like that is the best mix for Queensland.”
While Ponga appears likely to secure a spot in the Queensland halves, Walsh is reportedly in danger of losing the fullback spot to Tabuai-Fidow. The Dolphins No.1 is slightly ahead of the Brisbane premiership winner. “Hammer” was solid at the back in the Dolphins’ impressive Magic Round win over Souths on Friday night, capping it off with a stunning late solo try. Walsh, however, has been a little inconsistent since returning from a fractured cheekbone and might need to play a blinder against the Warriors on Sunday to force his way into the Maroons No.1 jersey. A spot on Slater’s six-man bench for the Maroons is more likely.
Key Players and Potential Changes
Cronulla edge forward Nikora is reportedly set to benefit from the change in Origin eligibility rules, with the Kiwi Test star expected to be picked in Slater’s squad. Titans speedster Jojo Fifita and Dolphins star Selwyn Cobbo are firming for the Queensland wing roles, while it’s understood that Thomas Flegler is set to return to the Maroons squad for the first time since 2023. The Dolphins prop has made a successful return this season from a career-threatening shoulder injury.
- This article highlights the potential shifts in the Queensland team as Slater prepares to announce his squad. The inclusion of players like Ponga and Nikora could bring a fresh dynamic to the Maroons, while the bench options remain crucial for the upcoming games. With the pressure on, Slater’s decisions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
