All the Origin talk this week has centred around the eligibility rules and whether players choose country over state. But the real story for the Maroons is the potential loss of one of the greatest players to ever wear the Queensland jersey.
Billy Slater has been the backbone of Queensland’s dominance in their last six series victories. Sure they have ready-made replacements in Inglis, Bowen, Barba and Boyd, but can the loss of such a pivotal player really be replaced?
So who will be the Queensland fullback for Origin III?
“Matt Bowen has to be favourite” says NRL Daily host John Gibbs. “His combination with Thurston is in hot form and that can’t be underestimated”.
NSW Origin legend Trent Barrett believes otherwise, saying Greg Inglis should be the man to cover for Slater, but in doing so, would change the “Queensland style of play”.
The boys also take a look at who could replace the injured Glenn Stweart for the Blues. Beau Scott, Ryan Hoffman, Tony Williams, Feleti Mateo and Aaron Woods are all in the discussion for selection.
All this and more in Friday’s edition of NRL Daily, so tune into NRL.com at 7:00pm and warm yourself up for Friday Night Football.
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