State of Origin boost for Billy Slater and Queensland as two star players set to return

Queensland coach Billy Slater could be boosted with the return of Tom Dearden for a decider if the Maroons win State of Origin Game 2. This comes as a number of Cowboys players, such as Murray Taulagi, are looking to push for an Origin call-up for Game 2.

The Cowboys and Queensland copped a major blow when Dearden went down in a NRL game two weeks out from the State of Origin opener with an ankle injury. Dearden was the star in Game 2 and 3 last year and was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for his efforts in Game 2 and 3 to help Queensland series. However, it was a major hit when Dearden was ruled out for up to eight weeks.

Billy Slater (pictured left) could be boosted with the return of Tom Dearden for a decider in State of Origin if Queensland win Game 2. (Images: Getty Images)

This saw Sam Walker come into the No.7 jersey for Queensland in Game 1. Walker was one of the best players on the field, but Kalyn Ponga’s send off changed the game and the Maroons lost in the final seconds having failed to stop the Blues’ resurgence.

Slater isn’t expected to change his halves combination for Game 2, but he could be left with a dilemma if Queensland win and take it to a decider. Dearden has resumed running and is expected to play in the coming weeks.

“Everything’s headed towards the Warriors (game), the game after the bye,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said about Dearden. Dearden could have up to two club games to show Slater he should be back for Game 3. Slater would have a tough call to make if Walker gets the job done in Game 2.

Tom Dearden (pictured) is pushing to make a comeback after the bye. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Cowboys players pushing for Origin call-up

Taulagi is also putting himself in the frame for an immediate recall. The winger played against the Raiders in a disappointing loss for the Cowboys. But has one more chance this weekend against the Dolphins to push his claim.

With injuries to Patrick Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki ahead of Game 2, there are a number of positions up for grabs in the Maroons squad. Ezra Mam has also been dropped from Michael Maguire’s Broncos side and is looking unlikely to be selected again for Queensland.
This leaves the door open for the likes of Heilum Luki and Jaxon Purdue to push their claim. And they have a massive opportunity in Townsville this weekend to get Slater’s attention before naming the squad.

“I look at Murray Taulagi, he should be thinking ahead and a good performance there, they’ve had some injuries with Gehamat Shibasaki, so Jaxon Purdue should be in the mix there,” Cowboys coach Payten said.

“Heilum (Luki) has been strong for us all year. I’d like him to think that he’s close. I know he’s close. A good performance is going to help everyone in that regard. It’s a big game for us.”