Billy Slater has seven genuine options to fill two wing spots for the Maroons in the opening game of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series with club form to play a huge part in the next month.
All of Slater's options have donned a Maroons jersey before in a major benefit leading into Origin I but who the former Queensland fullback opts for on the edge is up for plenty of debate.
Incumbents
Broncos pair Selwyn Cobbo and Corey Oates are at different stages of their careers but both had one thing in common last year – starting on the wing for the Maroons in the Origin decider.
While Cobbo’s third game didn’t go to plan after he was knocked out in the early stages of a whirlwind decider, his maiden Origin game where he set up a try and ran for over 160 metres showed his capabilities and strike factor for the Maroons.
He has picked up where he left off for the Broncos to start 2023 and would be hard to leave out of the squad at this stage.
Oates made a memorable return to the Origin arena last year after two seasons out but has battled injuries to start 2023 with his spot most up for grabs given his limited game time.
The 28-year-old isn't due back until at least Round 12 due to a knee injury, opening the door for others to push for his place unless he can make a return and impress a week before the series opener.
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Contenders
There are five genuine challengers for a wing spot with Murray Taulagi joining Cowboys teammate Kyle Feldt, Dolphins recruit Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Titans winger Phil Sami and Storm flyer Xavier Coates as options for Slater.
All of the players mentioned have Origin experience with Taulagi in particular coming off a World Cup campaign with the Kangaroos.
Taulagi had a bumper 2022 season that included an Origin debut but his Game Three hopes were dashed when he and Cameron Munster were ruled out after testing positive to COVID-19 in the lead-up to the match.
A natural left-edge player, Taulagi has the combination with Valentine Holmes already set at club level in an advantage for the Cowboys winger to earn a recall.
Sami has rediscovered the form that got him into the Maroons line-up back in 2020 after a move to the right edge for the Titans that could provide Slater’s men with a point of difference.
Coates started in Slater’s side for Origin I but lasted just 28 minutes before leaving the field with an ankle injury that required an eight-week recovery following surgery – ending his Origin campaign.
2023 Origin Series explained
It will be interesting to see whether the Maroons coach opts for Coates again given his notable size and ability under the high ball or go with another player he used in his absence.
Tabuai-Fidow made his Origin debut in the centres and although his club form has been brilliant for the Dolphins at fullback, he is a perfect player to give Slater some versatility if he went with the former Cowboy in the backline.
The final candidate, veteran Feldt, played two games for the Maroons in 2021 but did not feature for Slater's campaign last year.
The 31-year-old is least likely to force his way into the backline ahead of others mentioned but could be required throughout the series if injuries strike.
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