Queensland’s Left-Field Option for Halfback Selection
Queensland legend Corey Parker has proposed an unexpected solution to replace injured Maroons halfback Tom Dearden, who is set to miss the entire series. The Cowboys and Maroons coach Billy Slater faced a major setback on Friday when Dearden suffered a syndesmosis injury during a tackle against the Eels. This injury is expected to keep him out of action for approximately eight weeks.
Dearden, who won the Wally Lewis Medal in the previous Origin series, was poised to take his place in the No.7 jersey once again under Slater’s guidance. However, with his absence now confirmed, Slater faces one of the most challenging decisions of his coaching career. Captain Cameron Munster will likely take on either the six or seven jersey, but the question of who will partner him remains a critical selection dilemma.
Parker, a former Queensland forward, has suggested that Slater should consider one of the NRL’s most in-form halves. Tanah Boyd, who has been in exceptional form this season for the Warriors, is at the top of the list. Boyd has taken over as the team’s primary halfback, guiding them effectively this year. His performance has even overshadowed Luke Metcalf, making him a strong candidate for the role.
Another name being discussed is Roosters halfback Sam Walker, who is also in contention for the position. Meanwhile, veteran Maroons star Daly Cherry-Evans is being considered for a return to the side after being dropped last year. However, Parker believes that the focus should be on form rather than experience.
“Tanah Boyd is a stable pick,” Parker said on SEN Radio. “He kicks long, makes his tackles, rips in, has a crack, and has a wonderful kicking game. Sam Walker’s long kicking game isn’t ideal, and Munster’s kicking game in the series last year wasn’t great either.”
When asked about why Cherry-Evans wasn’t being considered, Parker emphasized the importance of current form. “He has been there, done that. I think they made a decision last year to move forward from DCE. They took captaincy off him and dropped him… but does that mean we go back? What about one of the form players of the competition?”
Boyd has been instrumental for the Warriors, contributing 10 try assists, nine linebreak assists, and three tries in 2026. He will face the Brisbane Broncos in Magic Round ahead of the Origin selection process.
Other potential options for Slater include shifting Munster to halfback and bringing in a five-eighth. Kalyn Ponga is competing for the fullback role alongside Reece Walsh but could also play in the No.6 jersey. Jake Clifford has also been mentioned as a possibility, with the Cowboys’ playmaker in good form. However, it seems that Roosters halfback Walker is the frontrunner if Slater is looking for a similar replacement.
