Origin Watch: Queensland – The halves

It may only be round one but make no mistake, coaches and players alike are already looking toward the Origin period in a few months time.

Queensland is in the rare position where they're chasing the title rather than looking to defend it after dropping the shield 2-1 in 2018.

As always the game will likely be won and lost in the forwards however Queensland will look to continue the dominance they've held over the Blues for many years in the halves.

We take a look at the leading contenders come Origin game one in Perth:

Cameron Munster

An absolute lock at five-eighth, Munster only really needs to stay fit to be there. Munster continues to develop into the game's next genuine mega star. His efforts in round one showed he is now Melbourne's main man outside of Cam Smith. Munster has the Maroons and Kangaroos No. 6 jersey for as long as he wants it. He's that good.

Ben Hunt

The Dragons' number seven is likely to be in the set up somewhere, whether that be in the halves, at nine or from the bench. At current, I think his best role is as a nine off the bench as he plays with the Kangaroos. That said, he's a million dollar halfback and has plenty of Origin experience. His performance in the Red V is going to have to be extremely good for his name to be in the genuine talk. For mine he'll be the bench utility.

Anthony Milford

Milford has been named as the next Maroons half for a few years now. He has two Origin jerseys to his name but probably hasn't produced the performances that are expected of his insane talents. Milford's kicking game has improved out of sight and he has developed into a real leader. I know you've probably heard it before but look for 2019 to be his career best season to date. Will be in the discussion.

Michael Morgan

The obvious choice to partner Cam Munster comes in the Cowboys superstar Michael Morgan. I've said it before but Morgan's versatility works against him sometimes. He's really the perfect Origin bench utility. He can play halves, nine, fullback or in the centres. The obvious temptation is to put him on the bench and play it safe. His round one performance showed he's the man now. Another who will be there, just in which spot.

Corey Norman

Norman's name came into the discussion when Thurston and Cronk's careers looked to be running down. Unfortunately, he has never really hit that consistent level to put his name on the team sheet but 2019 could be the season. The Dragons rate him so highly that they have shifted Gareth Widdop to fullback to enable Norman to play six. Whether or not that lasts is another question. Norman has no excuses anymore. He's experienced, has weapons outside him and an all rep pack leading the way. Should be a huge season.

Ash Taylor

The young gun. 2019 should be Ash Taylor's year. Another who has no excuses. He has Origin reps leading the way and genuine try scorers outside him. He has an experienced halves partner and his future is secure. If Taylor doesn't put his name in Origin contention this season I'd be very disappointed. That said, I just can't see it. I'd certainly like to as I'm a big fan of Taylor, but even a Dally M medal lead come Origin time won't get the job done this year. Should be in the squad for the future.

Kalyn Ponga

The wildcard in the discussion. You'd have to think that Ponga's name would appear somewhere on the sheet but it's hard to pin down exactly where. Right now he's the best fullback in Queensland. That said, he'll have (theoretically) had ten NRL games at five-eighth under his belt by then. Is it worth the risk to move a half back to fullback for an Origin series? My answer would be yes but he may be tearing the house down at six and demanding selection. This could shift Morgan to fullback or even land Ponga a spot off the bench. I think he's a long way behind at six but first picked for fullback.

We know it's early but the first few months are always part one of the season that really kicks into gear post Origin.

Let us know below who you would pick as the Queensland starting halves.

Is Ponga going to edge out Morgan? Will Hunt shift to nine full time for the Maroons?