Sam Walker has recovered from a difficult campaign last season, which saw him dropped from the Sydney Roosters before he sustained a long-term knee injury, to get himself back into the discussion around State of Origin selection.
Walker has long been deemed a Queensland Origin playmaker of the future, with former coach Kevin Walters championing his prospects when in charge of the state while Walker was just 17 years old.
He was brought into Maroons camp by Billy Slater two years ago and now appears to be on the precipice of taking over the No.7 jersey from Daly Cherry-Evans.
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Will Sam Walker play State of Origin? Queensland's options to eventually replace Daly Cherry-Evans, ranked
DCE is likely entering into his final series for the Maroons, while Ben Hunt is also nearing the end of his representative career.
The two veterans have been integral to their state’s winning run under Slater, yet all good things must come to an end and Walker’s time may soon arrive.
The 21-year-old has played over 50 games in the NRL and is now into his fourth campaign in the competition.
He has notched over 20 tries and provided over 40 assists already, with his creativity in attack earning him plenty of plaudits.
He currently stands as the most obvious choice to replace the Queensland skipper in the coming years, although there are also a few others who are in the race to become the next Maroons halfback.
Tom Dearden
The North Queensland co-captain is assured of his place in Slater's set-up after showing his quality in last year’s series while deputising for Cameron Munster.
However, Dearden is likely to be in line for the five-eighth spot in the future, as Munster enters into his twilight years.
The Cowboys playmaker will likely be competing with Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam for that role.
Although there is a case to be made that Slater may opt to go with the tough and diminutive playmaker ahead of Walker in 2025 as he takes on more responsibility for state and club.
Jamal Fogarty
Canberra No.7 Fogarty was arguably in career-best form before he suffered a biceps injury in Round 7.
The former Gold Coast skipper orchestrated a strong start to the season for the unfancied Raiders with his kicking game proving integral to their success.
If Slater wants to go for a more experienced option in the halves, the 30-year-old would likely be seen as the perfect stop-gap option giving Walker a bit more time before he is thrown into the representative arena.
Who is eligible to play halfback for Queensland currently in the NRL?
Three other young and inexperienced playmakers who could eventually emerge as candidates for the No.7 jersey are Brad Schneider, Tanah Boyd and Toby Sexton.
All three have yet to establish themselves as first-choice halfbacks for their club sides, although they have been highly touted throughout the youth grades.
Schneider started his career in Canberra before venturing over to the Super League for an opportunity. While in the UK, he showed enough playing for Hull KR to attract interest from Penrith who use him as an understudy for Nathan Cleary.
Meanwhile, Tanah Boyd started the year as the Titans’ first-choice No.7 before their horror early season run saw him dumped by Des Hasler.
Yet his exile didn’t last long, as he was recalled at five-eighth alongside Kieran Foran until he was sidelined with a wrist injury.
