Retired enforcer Gorden Tallis doesn’t envy the job of Queensland’s Origin selectors but says there’s an easy way for them to decide who plays on the wing this year.

Billy Slater looks set to retain the No.1 jersey he won back mid-series last year and the in-form Greg Inglis and Will Chambers are almost certain to be named in the centres.

But who sits on the wings remains to be seen, with reigning Wally Lewis Medal winner Dane Gagai, Kangaroos incumbent Valentine Holmes, Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Kyle Feldt and Kalyn Ponga all viable options.

Gagai’s breakout 2017 series gives him the edge on the right side, with the race on for a place outside Inglis on the opposite flank.

But rather than leave it up to Gene Miles and his selection panel to decide, former Queensland captain Tallis reckons they should just let Inglis make the choice himself.

“As bad as that is, Greg earns the right and I’d say ‘Greg, who do you want outside you?’,” Tallis said.

“And if he says Darius or Val Holmes, that’s the guy you go with.

“That’s how close they all are.”

For that reason Tallis would prefer to see Boyd earn a 29th Origin cap on June 6 in Melbourne, given his superb combination with Inglis during the Maroons’ period of dominance.

“Val Holmes is a great young kid who’ll get his chance – he’s going to play probably 30 Origins – and Darius has played 28 amazing games for Queensland,” Tallis said.

“Darius has got that quality (to do match-winning things without the ball in hand) and he’s never let them down.”