Why Billy Slater doesn’t want Munster’s opinion on new Maroons No.7

Queensland coach Billy Slater has remained coy about who will replace Tom Dearden at halfback for State of Origin Game I.

Appearing on the Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9, Slater also explained he wouldn’t be asking 2025 Maroons captain and five-eighth Cameron Munster for an opinion of who should be wearing the No.7 in Sydney on May 27.

“I haven’t thought of that, but probably not,” Slater replied when asked by former NSW great Andrew Johns, who was adamant the choice was surely between Sydney Roosters teammates Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans.

“I don’t think it’s his (Munster’s) decision,” Slater declared bluntly to Johns.

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“It’s the decision of the coach and the selectors, it’s probably a burden to put that (selection pressure) on someone else, we’re well equipped to make that decision for the team and for Queensland,” he continued.

Regardless of who gets the selection nod, Slater explained it was inevitable Dearden’s absence will lead to a change in tactics as Queensland seeks to win its fourth Origin series in the past five years.

“Whenever you have a shuffle in a team you have to adjust to the strengths of the person you’re putting in there,” Slater said.

“But whoever plays in that (halfback) jersey will also have to uphold the standards that the previous person has left it with.”

Beyond a new halfback, there has been some speculation Munster’s own spot in the Maroons squad could be in some doubt given Melbourne’s dire start to the 2026 NRL season.

Queensland is expected to name its squad for State of Origin Game I at the completion of NRL Magic Round next weekend in Brisbane.

Why Billy Slater doesn’t want Munster’s opinion on new Maroons No.7

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