Billy Slater has revealed the surprising element of Sam Walker’s game he has been given a first-hand look at leading into the State of Origin series opener.
The young halfback will step into the No.7 jumper for the Maroons on Wednesday night, after last year’s Wally Lewis Medal winner Tom Dearden was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Walker is one of the most exciting players in the competition and has produced plenty of highlight reel moments across his 96 games for the Sydney Roosters.
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After watching his career from afar, Slater has now worked closely with Walker before his Origin debut and is confident the playmaker has what it takes.
”He’s a very unique style of player,” the Queensland coach told media on Tuesday.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised with his skill level actually, we all know he’s a very creative little player and that’s probably enhanced my opinion of him.
“He’s a level-headed quiet sort of lad, he’s had a great week and looking forward to seeing him get out there and get his game on and our aim is to help him do that.
“There are some things that are non-negotiable in this footy team … it’s important that everyone acknowledges that and goes after that part of the game.
“When you have different players come into the team, they’ve got different strengths and part of a coach’s job is to help bring those strengths out. We just want Sam Walker to be Sam Walker, but we’ve got to help him do that.”
Asked what had impressed him most, Slater said the 23-year-old’s maturity made him come across like a seasoned Origin campaigner.
“Probably just his temperament,” Slater continued.
“The way that he’s handled everything, it’s like he has been here for five or six years.
“Honestly, he’s been really impressive … he looks really confident.”
Here’s everything you need to know for the State of Origin series opener.
When is State of Origin 2026?
This year’s series kicks off on Wednesday, May 27 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
Game two will be held on June 17 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, before the final match of the series is scheduled for July 8 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Watch the 2026 State of Origin series live and free exclusively on Nine and 9Now.
What time is State of Origin 2026?
All three games of the series will kick off at 8.05pm AEST.
How to watch 2026 State of Origin
All three games will be broadcast live and exclusive on Nine and 9Now.
State of Origin 2026 tickets
Tickets are still available for all three games via Ticketmaster.
State of Origin game one teams
NSW BLUES: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Tolu Koula 18. Ethan Strange 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Victor Radley 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Blayke Brailey 19. Casey McLean 21. Matt Burton Reserve Dylan Lucas
QLD MAROONS: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Max Plath 14. Briton Nikora 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Trent Loiero 18. Ezra Mam 19. Gehamat Shibasaki Reserve: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
State of Origin weather forecast
It’s been a wet week in Sydney and that won’t change on Wednesday, with an 80 per cent chance of rainfall between 1mm and 9mm.
Temperatures are expected to range between 14 and 20 degrees throughout the day.
State of Origin 2026 coaches
Queensland will be coached by Billy Slater, while it will be Laurie Daley in charge of NSW.
State of Origin 2026 betting odds
NSW are $1.65 favourites for the series opener, with Queensland the $2.25 outsiders.
For the series, it’s the exact same odds in favour of the Blues.
