LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Billy Slater, Queensland's State of Origin coach, may have to exclude Reuben Cotter from his Maroons squad following a two-game suspension for ill-discipline.
Cotter, the 2023 State of Origin Wally Lewis medal winner, has been a consistent player under Slater, even being utilized as a prop last year.
Despite a shaky start to the season, he was expected to be part of the squad as Queensland aimed to reclaim the State of Origin shield.
However, Cotter's suspension complicates Slater's plans for 2025.
He received a grade-two careless high-tackle charge after a match where his team lost 30-26, despite having escaped a direct penalty during the game.
Unless he contests the charge successfully, he will miss the next two games leading up to Origin.
Should he choose to fight it, failing could mean he misses the Origin Game 1 altogether.
Selection of the Cowboys star would mean nearly four weeks without NRL play for Cotter before the Origin match.
Early in the season, questions arose about his form, but the Cowboys have since secured two wins from their last three games, showing resilience against the strong Warriors team during Magic Round.
In his 45 minutes against the Warriors, Cotter made 36 tackles and achieved 60 running meters, showcasing his industrious play.
Although not at his peak running performance, his consistent work rate has made him a valuable asset, as Slater has previously deployed him through the middle at prop during 2024.