Billy Slater is on track to answer Queensland’s State of Origin SOS with the veteran fullback named to make his return from a hamstring injury in Melbourne’s NRL clash with Newcastle.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters has been sweating on Slater’s fitness after the 34-year-old had pulled out just days ahead of the Origin series opener in Melbourne, which Queensland lost 22-12.
Maroons selectors will hope they can run the rule over Slater on Sunday as they look to regroup and save the series in June 24’s Origin II in Sydney.
Jahrome Hughes is on standby at the Storm to fill in again for Slater.
Slater is desperate to add to his 29 Origin tally, having announced he will retire from representative football after the 2018 series.
Slater will line up on Sunday against the player many believe will be the next long-term Maroons No.1 – the Knights’ Kalyn Ponga.
Melbourne’s backline has been bolstered further by the return of centres Curtis Scott and Will Chambers from suspension, while Tim Glasby moves from lock to prop to replace Jesse Bromwich (hamstring).
At North Queensland, coach Paul Green has run out of patience with his misfiring backline, dumping centre Justin O’Neill and fullback Lachlan Coote for Friday night’s clash with the Warriors.
Maroons star Michael Morgan is back from a groin injury, boosting a Cowboys outfit who have slumped to second last after last round’s disappointing loss to Parramatta.
“Something had to change. I think we are probably at that point, given our performance on Saturday night,” Green said.
“We need to find some consistency with how we play. When that comes I am not sure but, hereon in, my responsibility is to pick the best team I think can get the job done.”
The Cowboys line up against a Warriors side who have named captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle) at fullback but he will be subject to a fitness test.
South Sydney welcome back Origin stars Greg Inglis, Dane Gagai, Damien Cook and Angus Crichton for Thursday night’s match against the Eels.
For the Sydney Roosters, Boyd Cordner returns after a last-round Origin rest, with Queensland foe Dylan Napa back starting side for Friday night’s clash with Penrith.
At Manly, 19-year-old hooker Manase Fainu will make his NRL debut replacing Apisai Koroisau (foot) and Moses Suli (disciplinary) returns at centre for Saturday’s showdown with St George Illawarra.
NSW centre James Roberts (achilles) is back for Brisbane’s Saturday game with Cronulla.
Gold Coast’s Jack Stockwell moves to the starting front-row for Queensland prop Jarrod Wallace (suspension) for the Titans’ Saturday’s clash with Canterbury.
