The question looms: Has one defensive error derailed Sam Walker's chances for his Origin debut?
Despite confidently asserting his preparedness for the high-stakes Origin arena, some legends of Queensland rugby remain unconvinced about the halfback's capability to withstand the intense physicality that characterizes this prestigious event.
At just 23, Walker stands poised for a debut with the Queensland Maroons, with coach Billy Slater set to announce his game one squad on Monday morning.
Following Tom Dearden's injury, the competition for the halfback position has become even more fierce, placing Walker in a competitive field with Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Clifford, and Tanah Boyd.
There's no denying Walker's skill; he's often described as a magician with the ball, showcasing remarkable creativity as a playmaker in the league.
Weighing in at 78kg, he is one of the lighter players in the NRL, making him a frequent target for opposing teams throughout the season.
This year, he has recorded 25 missed tackles out of 153 attempts, resulting in an 83.7% tackle efficiency.
In comparison, Clifford has missed 18 tackles from 182 attempts, yielding a 90.1% efficiency, while Boyd missed 32 of his 209 attempts, landing at 84.7% efficiency.
The situation intensified on Wednesday when Queensland legend Corey Parker highlighted a pivotal moment from the recent Roosters-Titans match.
A critical missed tackle on utility Chris Randall allowed Gold Coast to score the opening try of the match.