LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Maroons legend Corey Parker has expressed his belief that Tom Dearden should be chosen for the utility role over veteran Ben Hunt for the upcoming State of Origin series opener.
According to reports from au.news.yahoo.com, Dearden earned the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland's player of the series last year, starting all three matches at five-eighth while Cameron Munster was sidelined.
Munster is now fit and expected to reclaim his No.
6 position alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
This situation poses a selection dilemma for coach Billy Slater between Dearden, who has been in excellent form with the Cowboys, and Hunt, who has had a varied performance since returning to Brisbane, despite his extensive experience.
Hunt has played 20 matches for the Maroons and has previously been named player of the series twice, making pivotal contributions in both the hooker and half positions.
Parker commented on Hunt's longstanding role, saying, "For the last 10 years or so, Ben Hunt has been No.
14."
As the team selection approaches, Slater faces significant decisions regarding key positions on his bench.