With the appointment of Billy Slater, a new era for Queensland Rugby League is underway.
Given the manner of QLD's Origin defeat last season I would be very surprised if we didn't see a host of changes.
Just last week, incoming coach Slater was quoted as saying "There are no positions locked in." If this doesn't foreshadow changes, nothing will.
With plenty of Origin players either out of form or on the downswing of their career, I'd expect to see more than one youngster come into debut.
Below are five bolters who could make their Origin debut come Game 1.
2. Sam Walker
It's almost inconceivable that the Maroon's halves pairing won't be Dally Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster. They're likely to be the Kangaroo's halves pairing come the end of year World Cup.
That said, Cherry-Evans has had an indifferent Origin career to date. Many Queensland fans have been calling for a new option at seven.
Step forward, Sam Walker.
Walker has been a prodigy during his young NRL career and has easily outplayed Luke Keary in 2022.
It would be a massive risk to throw a youngster to the lions but if Billy Slater is looking for a fresh side then Walker coming in for the captain certainly achieves that.
I have big concerns over Walker in defence with the Blues almost certain to target his small frame, but his abilities in attack would scare the big Blues forwards.
Part of me wants to see Walker run out. There's no doubt the Maroons need a new approach. Perhaps Cherry-Evans dropping to the bench is the way to achieve that?
