'It's difficult': Billy Slater lifts lid on surprise snub as Kalyn Ponga, Sam Walker win key Queensland roles
Updated . First published at
Sam Walker has been named to fill the Tom Dearden-sized hole in the halves for Queensland, with the Roosters gun one of four new faces on the Maroons team.
There was speculation that Billy Slater may overlook Walker in favour of Kalyn Ponga to start at halfback in game one, despite the latter also being in line to wear the No.1 jersey.
The Maroons coach was not willing to take the risk of playing Ponga out of position, deciding that he would be better suited at fullback.
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That choice ultimately led selectors to land on Walker as their starting halfback.
"I don't think you'd be doing your due diligence as coach if you didn't look at all options," Slater told reporters about his decision.
Sam Walker warms up for the Roosters. Getty
"We really do feel confident about Sam Walker being the best option to play halfback for Queensland. I know how much he loves this state, growing up in Ipswich.
"I can just imagine him in the backyard playing football and dreaming of having that No.7 on his back. It gives me chills thinking about it.
"I can't wait to see him in camp, he is an infectious little lad. I am looking forward to helping him get his game on. I know he will unlock plenty of the players around him."
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Ponga's selection at fullback was not an easy choice to make for Slater either, with the Newcastle gun battling Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for the jersey.
Walsh lost out in that battle and failed to make the cut for the Maroons squad in game one. Tabuai-Fidow has been named at centre.
"It was difficult (to leave Walsh out), but we've all seen what Kalyn has done at this level and also with the Knights this year," Slater said.
Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga celebrate after a Maroons win. Getty
"I feel Kalyn's best position is fullback, he knows how to play that positions, he's really nailed it.
"He is in a real sweet spot in his career and life at the moment. He is really balanced.
"We've seen Reece play at this level ... he was probably one of the most influential players in that Queensland team for that series in 2023.
"We know what he is capable of, he knows what he is capable of. I've got a great relationship with Reece and I have a lot of time for him. He is getting there."
There was an awkward moment in the Slater presser when he was asked if Cameron Munster was in danger of being dropped.
Munster has been in dire form for Melbourne as his Storm have battled through a seven-game losing streak, before beating the Tigers last week.
Slater last year axed captain Daly Cherry-Evans mid-series and was asked if he could do the same with Munster.
"He's the Queensland five-eighth and he's the Queensland skipper," he said after stumbling over the answer and shrugging his shoulders.
"It's good to see all our players in form... we know what Munster's capable of.
"We all have confidence in him."
Jojo Fifita, Max Plath and Briton Nikora will also make their debuts in the Maroons jersey alongside Walker, with Slater honoured to ring the quartet to reveal the good news.
But he admitted the "most emotional" phone call he made on Sunday was to Tom Flegler.
Tom Flegler seen training with the Dolphins. Dolphins
Just 12 months ago, it was unclear if Flegler would ever play rugby league again as he recovered from a serious shoulder injury he suffered in 2024.
Despite the injury almost ending his career, the Dolphins prop has returned to first-grade football and is playing in top form once again.
"Prior to getting that shoulder injury he was one of the best front-rowers in the game," Slater said.
"For him to fight tooth and nail to get back on the field, that speaks volumes of who Tom Flegler is.
"Brought up on a banana farm, he's a tough lad, and we are going to need that toughness. It was a really emotional moment talking to Tom last night."
Harry Grant has retained his spot as the team's hooker, while Selwyn Cobbo returns in the starting line-up for the first time since 2024.
Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Nikora and Trent Loiero make up the Maroons bench.
QUEENSLAND MAROONS GAME ONE TEAM
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Max Plath. 14. Briton Nikora 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Trent Loiero 18. Ezra Mam 19. Gehamat Shibasaki. 20th man: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
