'It's his time': Legends split over Tom Dearden's Origin replacement as 'ridiculous' Kalyn Ponga idea squashed

Queensland coach Billy Slater was giving nothing away regarding a replacement for injured halfback Tom Dearden - but that didn't stop two NSW greats from weighing in.

Dearden was ruled out for at least six weeks on Saturday after scans confirmed a syndesmosis injury which would require surgery.

The news prompted a raw reaction from Kalyn Ponga, who dropped an F-bomb during his post-match press conference and sympathised with Dearden.

READ MORE: 'Doing really well': Mal remains bullish amid Bears criticism

READ MORE: 'Exposed' Magpies urged to stick with controversial plan

READ MORE: Madge brushes off 'excuse' after Broncos thrashed

The injury leaves a gaping hole in the Maroons leading into the State of Origin series opener later this month, with the race now on to partner Cameron Munster.

Speaking for the first time since the news, Slater echoed the sentiments from Ponga and admitted it was "really tough" for the Cowboys skipper to deal with.

"You can see the care that Kalyn has for his teammates and how much it means to Tom and that's where my heart went straight away," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"I know what footy means to him and how much he puts into it. It's a tough old game isn't it? Unfortunately for Tom, he's gonna have to undergo surgery and fix that ankle.

"Hopefully he's back sooner rather than later ... it's really tough for him.

Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"He brings so much more than just his attributes as a halfback - he's a real competitor and brings spirit to a footy team.

"I think the priority for Tom is to get himself nice and healthy and get back for the Cowboys. Who knows, it's a long series and he might be there at the end."

Slater refused to speculate on who would wear the famous No.7 jersey, but he knows there's no shortage of options for Maroons selectors to choose from.

Ben Hunt has played halfback for his state on numerous occasions, Ezra Mam is an electric player on his day, while both Jake Clifford and Tanah Boyd are in great form.

But according to Andrew Johns, it's a race between two club teammates - Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans, who have starred for the Roosters this season.

"Really, it's between two players - ironically, Roosters teammates - and for mine, I think it's his time Sammy Walker," the Blues legend said.

"I think his style of play at Origin level, especially with the quicker ruck this year, you've got to be unpredictable and set plays don't really necessarily work at Origin.

"I probably think just in front would be Sammy."

Walker has been involved in Queensland camps before, but has yet to make his debut in the game's toughest arena early in his NRL career.

While he presents a long-term option for the side, Brad Fittler believes it's the right time for Slater and the selectors to go back to a tried and tested option.

"I think [it should be] Daly Cherry-Evans," he said.

"If you look at their team, they're gonna have Reece Walsh, Hamiso [Tabaui-Fidow], Cameron Munster - they have got players who can score points, so I don't think Sam Walker will be needed from the point of view of being a creative player.

"I think Cherry-Evans gives you that experience, he's had 26 games and he's captained the state to victory, so I think he's the man."

The other left-field option that has been floated would see Ponga shift to the halves, allowing both him and Walsh to start together in the spine - but that appears unlikely.

"I've heard talk of Kalyn Ponga playing halfback, but I've never heard something so ridiculous - he's probably gonna be the 14," Johns said.

Slater was peppered with questions about what Dearden's absence would mean for the Queensland team, but remained upbeat about how they can adapt.

"I think whenever you have a shuffle in the team, you have to adjust to the strengths of the person you put in there and you have to adjust to the way the team plays," he said.

"Whoever plays in that jersey will have to uphold the standards that the previous person has left it with and at the same time, you build your game around what your best footy looks like. I think now more than ever, the game is adaptable.

"There's a round and a half to go, players are playing today and players are playing next week. We'll sit down next Sunday night and build Queensland's best footy team."

The series will kick off at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, May 28.