A Maroons star gave Slater a scare. Now he's ready to be ‘the difference'
Queensland Maroons strike weapon Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been cleared to take his place in Wednesday's State of Origin series launch, after giving coach Billy Slater a huge injury scare.
The Dolphins star suffered a knock to his knee on Sunday as the side completed an opposed training session on the Sunshine Coast, with Slater admitting he was briefly concerned he may lose his famed speedster.
'The Hammer' has proved to be one of the Maroons' attacking linchpins, scoring nine tries in his seven Origin appearances, the most famous being his match-winning heroics in Adelaide when his team was down a man in 2023.
His absence could have robbed pundits of an enthralling centre battle with New South Wales counterpart Stephen Crichton, who missed the Blues' captain's run with a quad complaint and will reportedly be given until Wednesday morning to prove his fitness.
But at the end of a camp that came with its fair share of concerns – Pat Carrigan's facial surgery on the eve of selections, and Kalyn Ponga's delayed arrival due to severe weather in Newcastle – Slater confirmed his superstar was in no doubt.
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'I must admit, I held my breath for a couple of seconds, but he just got a bit of a bump. He pulled through it fine,' Slater said on Tuesday. 'It was just a bit of contact, he's all right.
'Thankfully, for not just Queensland but the Dolphins and Hamiso in general, he's OK.'
Much of the fanfare surrounding the Maroons' selections has been dominated by the comebacks of five-eighth Cameron Munster and prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who both missed the 2024 series defeat through injury.
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The Advertiser
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Plath knee injury takes Dolphins' pain to the max
The decimated forward stocks of the Dolphins have grown, with fears that versatile star Max Plath has suffered a serious and potentially season-ending knee injury. The 23-year-old sustained a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 56-6 win over St George Illawarra on his return from a foot injury. The Dolphins have booked Plath in to see a surgeon next week for a second opinion. ACL's can be partially torn and players, such as current Manly prop Matt Lodge, have played on with them. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said post-game the initial understanding was that Plath had sustained "a low-grade medial", but scans revealed a more serious problem. Often overlooked is the fact the currently seventh-placed Dolphins have been dealing with massive absences for their entire short history. They have been without star prop Thomas Flegler for more than a year with a shoulder nerve complaint, and captain Tom Gilbert is out of action with a ruptured pectoral until at least round 24 after missing a season and a half with a shoulder reconstruction and ACL rupture. Compounding their woes is the fact prop Daniel Saifiti, their best player through the opening eight rounds, will consult a specialist over a shoulder injury that was more severe than first thought. The injury to Plath is a huge blow after the tough and versatile forward won the Dolphins' player of the year in 2024. It is also the second ACL rupture of his career, after he suffered the same injury while playing for Wynnum Manly in 2020. Woolf was expecting tough-as-teak forward Ray Stone to return on Saturday night away against North Queensland from an AC joint injury. The Dolphins welcomed back hooker Jeremy Marshall-King from a thigh laceration against the Dragons after he had missed five games. Woolf said his players are not daunted by the injury crisis. "It's a real credit to (forwards) like Felise Kaufusi and Franky Molo, who has come in and been a great addition for us, and I was really happy for him," the coach said. "Guys like (utility) Kurt Donoghoe have just stepped up and really filled that void. Young (hooker) Harrison Graham has stepped in there and played some really good games of footy for us. "They work really hard. All those guys we're seeing get some opportunity and improve as footy players. "It probably has been overlooked a little bit, but it's not about who's not in the team, it's about who's on the field playing for us, and they're doing a great job." The decimated forward stocks of the Dolphins have grown, with fears that versatile star Max Plath has suffered a serious and potentially season-ending knee injury. The 23-year-old sustained a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 56-6 win over St George Illawarra on his return from a foot injury. The Dolphins have booked Plath in to see a surgeon next week for a second opinion. ACL's can be partially torn and players, such as current Manly prop Matt Lodge, have played on with them. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said post-game the initial understanding was that Plath had sustained "a low-grade medial", but scans revealed a more serious problem. Often overlooked is the fact the currently seventh-placed Dolphins have been dealing with massive absences for their entire short history. They have been without star prop Thomas Flegler for more than a year with a shoulder nerve complaint, and captain Tom Gilbert is out of action with a ruptured pectoral until at least round 24 after missing a season and a half with a shoulder reconstruction and ACL rupture. Compounding their woes is the fact prop Daniel Saifiti, their best player through the opening eight rounds, will consult a specialist over a shoulder injury that was more severe than first thought. The injury to Plath is a huge blow after the tough and versatile forward won the Dolphins' player of the year in 2024. It is also the second ACL rupture of his career, after he suffered the same injury while playing for Wynnum Manly in 2020. Woolf was expecting tough-as-teak forward Ray Stone to return on Saturday night away against North Queensland from an AC joint injury. The Dolphins welcomed back hooker Jeremy Marshall-King from a thigh laceration against the Dragons after he had missed five games. Woolf said his players are not daunted by the injury crisis. "It's a real credit to (forwards) like Felise Kaufusi and Franky Molo, who has come in and been a great addition for us, and I was really happy for him," the coach said. "Guys like (utility) Kurt Donoghoe have just stepped up and really filled that void. Young (hooker) Harrison Graham has stepped in there and played some really good games of footy for us. "They work really hard. All those guys we're seeing get some opportunity and improve as footy players. "It probably has been overlooked a little bit, but it's not about who's not in the team, it's about who's on the field playing for us, and they're doing a great job." The decimated forward stocks of the Dolphins have grown, with fears that versatile star Max Plath has suffered a serious and potentially season-ending knee injury. The 23-year-old sustained a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 56-6 win over St George Illawarra on his return from a foot injury. The Dolphins have booked Plath in to see a surgeon next week for a second opinion. ACL's can be partially torn and players, such as current Manly prop Matt Lodge, have played on with them. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said post-game the initial understanding was that Plath had sustained "a low-grade medial", but scans revealed a more serious problem. Often overlooked is the fact the currently seventh-placed Dolphins have been dealing with massive absences for their entire short history. They have been without star prop Thomas Flegler for more than a year with a shoulder nerve complaint, and captain Tom Gilbert is out of action with a ruptured pectoral until at least round 24 after missing a season and a half with a shoulder reconstruction and ACL rupture. Compounding their woes is the fact prop Daniel Saifiti, their best player through the opening eight rounds, will consult a specialist over a shoulder injury that was more severe than first thought. The injury to Plath is a huge blow after the tough and versatile forward won the Dolphins' player of the year in 2024. It is also the second ACL rupture of his career, after he suffered the same injury while playing for Wynnum Manly in 2020. Woolf was expecting tough-as-teak forward Ray Stone to return on Saturday night away against North Queensland from an AC joint injury. The Dolphins welcomed back hooker Jeremy Marshall-King from a thigh laceration against the Dragons after he had missed five games. Woolf said his players are not daunted by the injury crisis. "It's a real credit to (forwards) like Felise Kaufusi and Franky Molo, who has come in and been a great addition for us, and I was really happy for him," the coach said. "Guys like (utility) Kurt Donoghoe have just stepped up and really filled that void. Young (hooker) Harrison Graham has stepped in there and played some really good games of footy for us. "They work really hard. All those guys we're seeing get some opportunity and improve as footy players. 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The Advertiser
38 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'He'll be ready': Walsh still in Slater's Maroons plans
The chances of Brisbane star fullback Reece Walsh playing for Queensland this year are alive and kicking after his endorsement by coach Billy Slater. The 22-year-old made a stunning return from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in the Broncos' 44-14 win over Gold Coast on Saturday after a six-week absence, scoring two tries and having a hand in two others while running for 163m. Walsh was the incumbent Maroons fullback but his injury opened the door for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga to return to the No.1 jersey for the 18-6 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium. While Walsh has not played enough football in the last two months to dislodge Ponga for game two in Perth, he is very much in Slater's thoughts for this series. Walsh, with his typical verve, had a message for Slater after his display against the Titans when he declared he was ready for a recall in game three in Sydney. "When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do," Walsh said. "If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go. If he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home." Slater, who gave the Broncos fullback his Origin debut in 2023, welcomed Walsh's comments when informed of them on Monday. "I've got no doubt he will be ready to go if called upon. You don't know what lies in the future," Slater said. "He has been a great member of this footy team in the past and instrumental in (the) 2023 (series win). It would be good to see him back playing a bit more footy. "I consider everything and I watch everything. It was great to see Reece back playing the way he was (for Brisbane). He's got a real spring in his step and a real energy about him. "I felt he made a real difference to the Broncos' performance." When asked if Walsh was still in his plans for this series, Slater was emphatic. "Absolutely. There is consideration all the time," he said. Ponga did not shine in the opening loss to NSW and will need to get the job done in Western Australia if he is to hang on to his position. The chances of Brisbane star fullback Reece Walsh playing for Queensland this year are alive and kicking after his endorsement by coach Billy Slater. The 22-year-old made a stunning return from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in the Broncos' 44-14 win over Gold Coast on Saturday after a six-week absence, scoring two tries and having a hand in two others while running for 163m. Walsh was the incumbent Maroons fullback but his injury opened the door for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga to return to the No.1 jersey for the 18-6 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium. While Walsh has not played enough football in the last two months to dislodge Ponga for game two in Perth, he is very much in Slater's thoughts for this series. Walsh, with his typical verve, had a message for Slater after his display against the Titans when he declared he was ready for a recall in game three in Sydney. "When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do," Walsh said. "If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go. If he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home." Slater, who gave the Broncos fullback his Origin debut in 2023, welcomed Walsh's comments when informed of them on Monday. "I've got no doubt he will be ready to go if called upon. You don't know what lies in the future," Slater said. "He has been a great member of this footy team in the past and instrumental in (the) 2023 (series win). It would be good to see him back playing a bit more footy. "I consider everything and I watch everything. It was great to see Reece back playing the way he was (for Brisbane). He's got a real spring in his step and a real energy about him. "I felt he made a real difference to the Broncos' performance." When asked if Walsh was still in his plans for this series, Slater was emphatic. "Absolutely. There is consideration all the time," he said. Ponga did not shine in the opening loss to NSW and will need to get the job done in Western Australia if he is to hang on to his position. The chances of Brisbane star fullback Reece Walsh playing for Queensland this year are alive and kicking after his endorsement by coach Billy Slater. The 22-year-old made a stunning return from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in the Broncos' 44-14 win over Gold Coast on Saturday after a six-week absence, scoring two tries and having a hand in two others while running for 163m. Walsh was the incumbent Maroons fullback but his injury opened the door for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga to return to the No.1 jersey for the 18-6 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium. While Walsh has not played enough football in the last two months to dislodge Ponga for game two in Perth, he is very much in Slater's thoughts for this series. Walsh, with his typical verve, had a message for Slater after his display against the Titans when he declared he was ready for a recall in game three in Sydney. "When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do," Walsh said. "If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go. If he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home." Slater, who gave the Broncos fullback his Origin debut in 2023, welcomed Walsh's comments when informed of them on Monday. "I've got no doubt he will be ready to go if called upon. You don't know what lies in the future," Slater said. "He has been a great member of this footy team in the past and instrumental in (the) 2023 (series win). It would be good to see him back playing a bit more footy. "I consider everything and I watch everything. It was great to see Reece back playing the way he was (for Brisbane). He's got a real spring in his step and a real energy about him. "I felt he made a real difference to the Broncos' performance." When asked if Walsh was still in his plans for this series, Slater was emphatic. "Absolutely. There is consideration all the time," he said. Ponga did not shine in the opening loss to NSW and will need to get the job done in Western Australia if he is to hang on to his position.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Billy Slater opens up on phone call with Daly Cherry-Evans... and responds to scapegoat claim
Maroons coach Billy Slater has explained the decision to drop Daly Cherry-Evans, while opening up on the phone call where he delivered the hard news to his former teammate. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Queensland announced its 20-man squad for the must-win game at Perth on Monday, with Slater confirming the Maroons would reveal their final team on Tuesday. While the make-up of that side remains to be seen, one thing that is certain is that Cherry-Evans will not feature while Beau Fermor was the other Maroons player to miss out. Tom Dearden will come into the team to replace Cherry-Evans while the versatile Kurt Capewell is expected to join the 17 and potentially push into the starting side. Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, Slater as expected didn't offer too much detail on exactly why Cherry-Evans was left out of the squad but said Dearden had 'earned the opportunity' to take over as halfback. 'We don't take any decision lightly, whether it's a player keeping their spot or another player coming in. All Queenslanders are considered,' Slater explained. 'We just feel Tom is the right person for the number seven jersey right now. First of all, you won't hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans. 'What he has given this jersey and what he has done for this footy team and this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life. 'No one can take that away from him. We just feel that Tom Dearden has earned the opportunity to play in the number seven jersey.' Slater called Cherry-Evans on Sunday to let him know he had been dropped and said the veteran halfback 'took the news with great character and great respect'. 'Obviously Daly wanted to play and he was disappointed that he wasn't going to get the opportunity,' added Slater, who played alongside Cherry-Evans during his Origin career. 'We had a good conversation and we have a great relationship. I have played along Daly, and I've been the coach and he has been the captain over the last four years. We have shared some great memories and he has done some really good things. 'They are tough conversations but it was one that was had with a lot of respect.' Slater, meanwhile, dismissed any suggestions that Cherry-Evans was a scapegoat for Queensland's Game 1 loss, especially considering the forward pack struggled to give him a platform to play off. 'Well, it's not the case,' he said. 'It's just a case of the best person for the position. I'm sure people have their opinion. I'm sure you'll have your opinion on it. It is what it is. 'At the end of the day, when you're in this position to make decisions you've got to think (of) what the best thing is for the footy team and that is what we thought.' There are some question marks over the make-up of Queensland's new-look halves pairing considering Cherry-Evans had been the dominant kicking option when in the squad while both Dearden and Munster are naturally run-first players. Dearden has been developing in clubland as more of a traditional halfback following Chad Townsend's departure, but Slater also said that the Cowboys playmaker will 'get a bit of help' when asked whether the 24-year-old can take control in the Origin arena. 'There are some good players in and around him,' added Slater. Cherry-Evans' omission also leaves Slater with a leadership void and the Maroons coach said the new Queensland captain would be announced on Tuesday, with Harry Grant and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui expected to be among the leading candidates. 'We've got quite a few club captains,' Slater said. 'Quite a few leaders within the footy team, so I feel whenever you play for the Queensland team you're a leader in your own right anyway, no matter how old you are or what you've done in the past. 'Whoever is named captain, they're going to get a fair bit of support from the leaders around him.'
