LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Maroons coach Billy Slater is facing a pivotal decision regarding the future of Daly Cherry-Evans, who has been the Queensland captain since Slater's retirement after the 2018 series.
Cherry-Evans has consistently worn the No.7 jersey for the last 20 Origins and played alongside Slater during his earlier years in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
After a hiatus from the Origin scene, he was recalled for Game III in 2018, the last match for Slater as a player.
Now 36 years old, Cherry-Evans set a record this year as the oldest player in Origin history during the opening game, a 18-6 loss to NSW, and has maintained his role as the Maroons halfback.
The coaching staff is contemplating a push for Tom Dearden to take Cherry-Evans' spot for Origin II in Perth, raising questions not only about Cherry-Evans' immediate future but also about who would succeed him as Queensland captain.
This leadership role is prestigious, with past captains including legends like Arthur Beetson, Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, and Cameron Smith.
As Slater navigates these critical decisions, he will be defining not only the next match but potentially the trajectory of the Maroons for years to come.