LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Billy Slater may have to retain Harry Grant as the starting hooker for State of Origin 2 after potential bolter Max Plath re-injured himself in a recent game.
Previously, the Maroons are 0-4 with Grant as the starter, including a poor performance in Game 1 of this year's series.
Reports indicate Slater has had greater success using Grant off the bench, allowing him to enter the game fresher after the initial onslaught.
Ben Hunt, traditionally used as the starting No.9, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and unlikely to return in time for Origin 2.
Plath was expected to return to a suitable role after being named to play for the Dolphins against the Dragons, following a foot injury that had kept him out of Game 1.
However, he suffered a knee injury just 21 minutes into his comeback match, diagnosed as a medial ligament injury, which effectively rules him out for the second game.
Consequently, Slater may stick with Grant or consider Kurt Mann, who was the 18th man for Game 1, for the hooker role.
Reed Mahoney is another potential option, though reports suggest he could be dropped at the NRL level.
Corey Parker had previously endorsed Plath's inclusion, highlighting, "One of his greatest strengths is that he just competes.
He has a red-hot crack...
and the biggest games in rugby league, if you are competing your absolute arse off you're going to be there when it counts." He expressed confidence in Plath's capabilities, indicating that his fierce competition level aligns well with what is needed for Queensland.