State of Origin is upon us once again, and with it comes the annual speculation over which players might make their debut in the representative arena. This year, a handful of individuals are knocking on the door, and Foxsports.com.au has identified twelve potential bolters for Billy Slater's Queensland Maroons side. But who are these players, and what makes them stand out? Let's take a closer look at each of them and explore why they might be worth considering for the upcoming series.
Braydon Trindall: The Kicking Playmaker
Personally, I think Braydon Trindall is a player who could surprise many with his potential Origin debut. An injury to Tom Dearden opens up a spot in the halves, and Trindall, with his strong kicking game and high attacking intelligence, could be the perfect replacement. Trindall has been knocking on the door for a while now, and his ability to transition into the representative arena is not in doubt. In my opinion, his kicking game is one of his biggest strengths, and it could be the X-factor that the Maroons need.
Britton Nikora: The New Zealand International
What makes this particularly fascinating is the impact of the new Origin eligibility rules. Britton Nikora, a 15-time New Zealand international, is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Maroons. His versatility and experience could be a huge advantage, and he has already shown that he can play the X-factor role off the interchange bench. Nikora's story is an inspiring one, and his eligibility rules out any doubts about his right to represent Queensland.
Cooper Bai: The Destructive Runner
One thing that immediately stands out is Cooper Bai's potential as a game-changer. The son of Marcus Bai, Cooper is known for his destructive runs in the middle of the field. His ability to rack up post-contact metres is impressive, and he could provide an instant impact off the interchange bench. Bai's speed and tackle-breaking ability could turn a game in an instant, and his selection would be a bold move by Billy Slater.
Ezra Mam: The X-Factor Five-Eighth
What many people don't realize is that Ezra Mam has already shown his ability to rise to the occasion. Named as the Maroons' 18th man for Game Two of last year's series, Mam could be used in the halves or off the interchange bench to bring some X-factor into the contest. His combination with Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan is already impressive, and his selection would be a smart move by Slater.
Heilum Luki: The Damaging Back-Rower
If you take a step back and think about it, Heilum Luki's return to the field after an ACL rupture is a remarkable story. Since returning, he has been at his damaging best and is a genuine contender for a spot in the Maroons side. Luki's experience around the Origin scene and his desire to make his debut make him a strong candidate. In my opinion, his return to form is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Jake Clifford: The In-Form Player
What this really suggests is that Jake Clifford has emerged as a shock candidate for the No.7 jersey. With five tries, seven line-breaks, and impressive kicking statistics, Clifford has been on fire this season. His ability to defend and provide assists makes him a well-rounded player, and his selection would be a strategic move by Slater. Clifford's in-form performance is a surprise to many, but it could be the key to the Maroons' success.
Jaxon Purdue: The Versatile Player
From my perspective, Jaxon Purdue's versatility is his biggest strength. Able to play in multiple positions, including the centres, fullback, and halves, Purdue is the perfect player to have off the six-man bench. His speed and tackle-breaking ability could be a game-changer, and his selection would be a smart move by Slater. With Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki struggling with form, Purdue could be the surprise package of the series.
Jojo Fifita: The X-Factor Outside Back
A detail that I find especially interesting is the potential of Jojo Fifita. Known for his X-factor ability, Fifita has rocketed into contention for the series-opener. His ability to slot onto the wing or in the centres makes him a versatile player, and his selection would be a bold move by Slater. Fifita's close relationship with former Maroons assistant Josh Hannay could be a key factor in his selection.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki: The Queenslander at Heart
What many people don't realize is that Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, despite being born in New Zealand, is all Queenslander at heart. On the cusp of selection last year, Finefeuiaki has continued to impress with the Dolphins and is closer to making his Origin debut. His like-for-like replacement for Jeremiah Nanai makes him a strong candidate, and his selection would be a smart move by Slater.
Lachlan Hubner: The Consistent Player
One thing that immediately stands out is the consistency of Lachlan Hubner. A player who epitomizes what a Queensland player is, Hubner delivers week in, week out for the Rabbitohs. His selection would be a smart move by Slater, as he is a player who understands the little things that make a difference in matches. Hubner's consistency is a key strength, and his selection would be a wise choice.
Max Plath: The Versatile Forward
Max Plath is made for the representative arena with his toughness and versatility. The son of a four-time Brisbane Broncos premiership-winner, Plath has already earned backing from former icons and current players. His ability to play multiple positions in the forwards makes him a strong candidate, and his selection would be a smart move by Slater. Plath's versatility and toughness are key strengths, and his selection would be a bold move.
Sam Walker: The Elite Kicker
If you take a step back and think about it, Sam Walker's elite kicking ability and natural attacking flair make him a strong contender for the halves. A former Under-18s halfback for Queensland, Walker has been involved in the Maroons extended squad for a number of years. His selection would be a strategic move by Slater, as he could replace Tom Dearden in the No.7 jersey. Walker's kicking ability and attacking vision are key strengths, and his selection would be a smart move.
In conclusion, the 2026 State of Origin series promises to be an exciting one, with a number of players knocking on the door for a spot in the Queensland Maroons side. From the versatile Jaxon Purdue to the consistent Lachlan Hubner, each of these players brings something unique to the table. As an expert commentator, I believe that each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact on the series. The selection of these players would be a smart move by Billy Slater, and I am excited to see who makes the final cut.
