Overview
- Daly Cherry-Evans said he doesn’t yet know if he has done enough to retain the Maroons’ No.7 jersey after Queensland’s 18-6 loss in Game I
- North Queensland coach Todd Payten urged Slater to start Tom Dearden in the halves if Queensland wants to win State of Origin II
- Dearden’s strong cameo off the bench and his 2024 Ron McAullife Medal have reinforced his credentials as a potential replacement
- Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin and former greats including Andrew Johns and Cooper Cronk publicly questioned Cherry-Evans’ attacking direction in Game I
- Slater’s decision on Sunday will also shape changes to the Maroons’ spine and bench for the must-win match