Votes are in: Fans back young gun for Maroons halfback role

Queensland fans have declared Sam Walker is the man to partner Cam Munster in the halves in the State of Origin opener.

They are the results of the NRL.com poll which handed supporters the power to select their Maroons team for Game One at Accor Stadium on Wednesday May 27.

With Tom Dearden unavailable due to an ankle injury, the door is open for a new figure to step into the Queensland No.7 jersey. Forty-six percent of the fans opted for Walker, with 26% backing Tanah Boyd and 21% opting for former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

Walker and Cherry-Evans will go head-to-head with another contender this weekend, when the Roosters take on Jake Clifford and the Cowboys in a Magic Round showdown.

In other selection battles, the fans have backed Reece Walsh to wear the No.1 jumper, with Kalyn Ponga the preferred bench utility.

The other results showed:

• Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow received support as both a winger and centre, with Murray Taulagi also voted on to the wing. Rob Toia was the other centre to generate votes.
• Tino Fa'asuamaleaui received 44% of the vote to start at prop.
• Harry Grant is heavily favoured at hooker, 89% of fans voting for the Storm skipper.
• Kulikefu Finefeuiaki could be destined for a Queensland debut after receiving 29% of the vote, with Reuben Cotter the other preferred back-rower at 23%.
• Pat Carrigan’s versatility was on hand. The Bronco received the second largest vote at prop but the fans want to see Carrigan in the No.13 jumper. The forward received 64% of the vote at lock.
• Versatile Dolphins forward Max Plath edged out veteran Kurt Capewell for the role of bench utility. Plath received 33% of the vote, with Capewell on 26%.

Check out the full results below as the excitement builds for Game One of the State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on Wednesday May 27.