HOW QLD’S STATE OF ORIGIN INCUMBENTS SHAPE FOR GAME I
BILLY SLATER (c) – The champion fullback’s retirement leaves another sizeable leadership void but may also usher in a new era with Kalyn Ponga firming to wear the Maroons’ No.1 for the first time after impressing as a utility last year. Verdict: Gone.
VALENTINE HOLMES – The winger has swapped the Steeden for a Wilson as he pursues an NFL career with the New York Jets. Dane Gagai could shift to the wing if Michael Morgan is named in the centres. Verdict: Gone.
DANE GAGAI – A proven performer at representative level and part of South Sydney’s slick start. Likely to be pushed a position wider to accommodate Morgan’s return from a bicep injury that kept him out last year. Verdict: Shifted.
WILL CHAMBERS – Another experienced representative player in form and part of a winning Melbourne NRL side, consider him a lock despite his quiet 2018 series. Verdict: Safe.
COREY OATES – The competition’s equal-leading try scorer with seven this year, the hulking winger provides good go-forward early in a set and should keep his place after returning for the third game last season. Verdict: Likely.
CAMERON MUNSTER – Much will fall on Munster’s shoulders this season, with some experts even tipping him as a bold captaincy choice. Verdict: Safe.
DALY CHERRY-EVANS – An ankle injury could yet ruin it but the Manly skipper – and potential new Queensland leader – is poised to take the reins after impressing in his return to the Origin fold in game three last year. Verdict: Safe.
JAI ARROW – Burst onto the Origin scene last year and hasn’t slowed in a hit-and-miss Titans side this season. Could play in the No.13 or off the bench, with Josh McGuire also an option and Matt Scott pushing for a return. Verdict: Safe.
ANDREW MCCULLOUGH – Hasn’t fired for Brisbane this season, with Jake Friend’s biceps rupture thinning the field but former teammate Ben Hunt putting serious pressure on his spot. Verdict: Shaky.
JOSH PAPALII – In top form and powering Canberra’s terrific early-season charge. Verdict: Safe.
GAVIN COOPER – With a fit-again Matt Gillett in the mix it’s hard to see where Cooper fits this year. Verdict: Shaky.
FELISE KAUFUSI – Only getting better and should be one of Kevin Walters’ first picked after an impressive start to 2019. Verdict: Safe.
JOSH MCGUIRE – Has warmed to the task in his new North Queensland home and knows how to handle the Origin arena better than most. Verdict: Likely.
BEN HUNT – Given he’s a big chance to move into the No.9 it leaves Walters searching for a utility. Smooth-moving second-rower David Fifita has been touted as an option, while polarising playmaker Anthony Milford is another. Verdict: Shifted.
JARROD WALLACE – Will need to show plenty in his return from suspension after a relatively quiet 2018 series. Scott, Arrow, Dylan Napa (if fit), Joe Ofahengaue, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess and Christian Welch are all eyeing off his spot. Verdict: Questionable.
COEN HESS – Like Wallace, has to prove himself ahead of a growing pack of contenders after a quiet start to the year. Verdict: Shaky.
TIM GLASBY – Newcastle’s form isn’t helping his cause but Glasby boasts Origin experience that could get him ahead of the rivals mentioned above. Verdict: Questionable.