Maroons future bright despite Origin decider heartache
- FOGS
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Queensland were hurting after the State of Origin decider loss in Brisbane, but captain Cameron Munster is certain that the future is "not all doom and gloom".
The Maroons gave debuts to five players in the series. Halfback Sam Walker, winger Jojo Fifita and forwards Max Plath and Briton Nikora lined up in all three games while back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki made his debut in game two at the MCG off the bench in a 44-24 win.
The Maroons also recalled winger Selwyn Cobbo, who was one of the best players of the series on either team.
Fullback Reece Walsh was another brought back into the squad and he provided spark in the decider when he came on in the halves.
“All those guys are going to play for Queensland for years to come and have successful Origin careers,” Munster said.
Walker was man of the match in Melbourne and played with great control while Plath was a revelation with his toughness and versatility.
Despite being beaten 30-12 in Brisbane, coach Billy Slater was heartened by the spirit and courage of the team. Intrinsic Maroons qualities are still embedded in the squad and will keep them in good stead.
"But there was a fair bit of enthusiasm from our team, a fair bit of heart and we never gave up. The fight in our team was there."
The Maroons under Slater have won three series out of five but 2026 was one that got away.
Queensland dominated at the MCG in game two.
They were the better side in the 22-20 loss in game one, but the send-off of Kalyn Ponga and late try to James Tedesco were bitter blows.
The tally of 14 errors in Brisbane hurt but they also had several calls go against them. When trailing 18-8 a controversial moment occurred when NSW centre Bradman Best raced away to score after a bomb went up. The NRL admitted after the match that NSW winger Jack Bostock had knocked on while contesting the high kick. The Maroons also had a try disallowed when Max Plath was centimetres offside after a kick went up when the margin was 12 points.
They were the little moments that cost the Maroons.
"That's footy," Munster said of the 50/50 calls that went against his team.
"I would love to be on the other side of it. I've been on the other side and it's been great times, but sometimes you've got to learn from those moments.
"If Plath was onside, they are six points up with 11 minutes to go. With the way the game goes and Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga on the field, who knows what could have been.
"Yeah, it's disappointing but I wouldn't say there was any complacency or anything like that.
Munster, who had won deciders in 2017, 2020 and 2025, was philosophical about the loss.
"I love playing for Queensland. Captaining the team the last couple of years has been really good," he said.
"I know a lot of the boys are hurting, but if you look back at the previous four years we've won three out of four series.
"We’ve got to take some positives out of it. We didn't play our best and we were still in the contest.
"It just shows that when we get our game on and play our best footy, like we did in game one and game two, we're a very good side."
Munster said the other positive was the abundance of playmakers available to the Maroons in future.
He even floated Walsh as a future No.6.
"You look at Darren Lockyer. He transitioned from fullback to five-eighth and he was pretty handy," Munster said
"If you need to find a position for Reece, who knows? You've got Tom Dearden and Sam Walker there. It's a good little arsenal. You've still got Ezra Mam as well. It's exciting times for Queensland so it’s not all doom and gloom.
"We've just got to make sure we gel together and get the best out of them because they're probably going to be our spine in the years to come with Harry Grant and Kalyn Ponga. It's exciting times.
"Who knows what happens next year? You can't take these jerseys for granted.
"I'm going to be back next year, develop and get better again. I've just got to make sure I'm playing good footy to be able to get in the side."
Slater will make a call on his future based on what is best for Queensland.
“It's a weird feeling because there's no other game for another 10 and a half months, so it's hard to take your mind there. One area I did take my mind to is how proud I am of the people and the men that play in our Queensland team," he said.
"I'm proud of the people they are and the togetherness they show to play for Queensland. The effort and commitment they put in I can’t question. That's one thing I told them after the game."
Slater coaches the Maroons not because it is a job but because he cares deeply about the state and the players.
"If someone else is better for the position, I'm more than willing to help them out too," he said.
"This is not a position for me to want to take long-term. It's a position I care about. I care about this footy team. I did when I was five years old and I still do today. Whilst I can help and add value to preparing the team, I'll consider being here."
