Queensland's State of Origin campaign has been thrown into uncertainty after Tom Dearden suffered a syndesmosis injury that could potentially rule him out for the entire series.

Dearden had firmly established himself as Billy Slater's first-choice halfback after a breakout 2025 campaign, with his rise culminating in a Wally Lewis Medal performance during last year's series victory.

Now, Slater faces arguably his biggest selection dilemma since taking over as Maroons coach.

Does he return to the proven experience of Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Hunt? Or bring in debutants like Jamal Fogarty, Tanah Boyd, or Sam Walker? 

Each option brings vastly different strengths, experience levels and risks, leaving Queensland with no obvious replacement for one of the most important positions on the field.

Here are the five leading contenders to wear Dearden's Maroons jersey.

3. Tanah Boyd

When Slater made the bold call to move on from Cherry-Evans last year, he backed Tom Dearden even though the previous Queensland combination had already worked successfully in the 2024 series while Munster was sidelined.

Could another gamble now pay off with Tanah Boyd?

Of course, the situation is different to Dearden's rise given Dearden already had Origin experience under his belt, but if Queensland are again prioritising in-form halfbacks, Boyd has quickly emerged as one of the strongest contenders.

The 24-year-old would be making his debut on rugby league's biggest stage, although he has previously worn Maroon colours after representing Queensland Under-20s in 2019 as a utility off the bench.

Boyd has now played 87 NRL games, and his consistency this season has become impossible to ignore.

Despite the return of Luke Metcalfe, Boyd has retained the No.7 jersey every week for the Warriors, underlining just how highly his form has been rated.

Statistically, he has delivered as well — registering 10 try assists and three tries — but perhaps most importantly for Queensland selectors, Boyd has been reliable.

With Cameron Munster currently battling through an inconsistent season alongside a struggling Melbourne side, Queensland may benefit from selecting a composed and steady organising halfback capable of helping guide the team around the park.