Sam Walker has been named Queensland’s No.7 for the State of Origin series opener in Sydney on May 27, as coach Billy Slater unveiled a largely familiar but refreshed Maroons squad that features six debutants in a 20‑man group. The selection represents the latest development in Queensland’s camp as they balance continuity — keeping 11 players from last year’s 24-12 series‑deciding win in Sydney — with a clear injection of youth and versatility ahead of the opening clash.
Walker, the 23‑year‑old Sydney Roosters playmaker, replaces injured Tom Dearden after the North Queensland halfback suffered a syndesmosis injury for his club. Walker brings big‑game experience across 96 NRL appearances and has been publicly likened to a modern‑day Allan Langer by Darren Lockyer for his unpredictability and moments of individual brilliance. The Maroons’ selectors believe Walker is ready to steer Queensland’s attack at No.7 and add a different spark to the spine.
There are three new faces in the starting 13: Walker at halfback, Dolphins ball‑runner Max Plath at lock and Gold Coast flyer Jojo Fifita on the wing. Plath’s elevation to the starting lock role was cemented by a man‑of‑influence performance in the Dolphins’ 32‑10 win over South Sydney, when he delivered as a ball‑playing lock after beginning the game at hooker. “If Billy gives me a call, I would be so stoked,” Plath said earlier this month about the prospect of Representative selection, noting his preference for playing in the middle and his added value from time at hooker.
The bench mix includes Cronulla forward Briton Nikora at No.14 and Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam at No.18 among the six reserves, while Dolphins powerhouse Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named 20th man. Slater’s faith in Thomas Flegler to again lead the pack has a poignant backstory: the Dolphins prop returns to Origin duty after 677 days sidelined by a shoulder nerve issue, a recovery that has been hailed around the Maroons camp for its determination and resilience.
A notable omission from the side is Broncos and Australia fullback Reece Walsh, left out after a dip in recent form. Walsh’s absence paves the way for Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga to take the No.1 jersey, bringing his considerable Origin pedigree to fullback. Selwyn Cobbo has also won his way back into the starting line‑up on the wing following a strong run of club performances, and Fifita’s switch between centre and wing for the Titans this season proved influential in his recall.
The full 20‑man Queensland squad named by Slater reads: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Selwyn Cobbo, 3 Robert Toia, 4 Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow, 5 Jojo Fifita, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Sam Walker, 8 Thomas Flegler, 9 Harry Grant, 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11 Reuben Cotter, 12 Kurt Capewell, 13 Max Plath, 14 Briton Nikora, 15 Lindsay Collins, 16 Pat Carrigan, 17 Trent Loiero, 18 Ezra Mam, 19 Gehamat Shibasaki, 20 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. The selection signals Queensland’s intent to blend experienced cornerstone performers with fresh talent as they seek to defend the Origin crown starting next Monday night in Sydney.