‘This organically happens’: Corey Parker predicts Tom Dearden to win Maroons bench spot over Ben Hunt

Maroons legend Corey Parker has had his say on who should be picked for the Origin opener, and it’s bad news for one of Queensland’s greatest servants.

Maroons legend Corey Parker has backed Tom Dearden to grab the utility role over veteran Ben Hunt for the State of Origin series opener later this month, while the former Queensland lock says coach Billy Slater has another big choice to make on his bench.

Dearden claimed the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s player of the series last year after he started all three games at five-eighth with Cameron Munster out injured.

Tom Dearden was Queensland’s best player in 2024. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

But the Storm superstar is fit and firing and is expected to reclaim his No.6 jersey to partner incumbent skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.

That leaves Slater with a selection headache between Dearden, who has been in terrific form for the Cowboys, and Hunt, who has played 20 matches for the Maroons but has been hot and cold in his return to Brisbane.

Hunt has been a mainstay in the Maroons side and has twice been named their player of the series, with the 20-gamer scoring some famous tries when he’s filled in at hooker or in the halves.

“For the last 10 years or so, Ben Hunt has been No. 14,” Parker said on SENQ.

“He’s found his role there and he’s come on and done a job.

“Unfortunately, for me and Ben, at this point in time, I can’t go past what we see from Tom Dearden, so Tom Dearden goes into that 14 role.

Corey Parker has left Ben Hunt out of his predicted 17 for game one. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“This organically happens (with the Maroons). Michael Morgan used to do it, Cooper Cronk used to do it and Ben Hunt is doing it now, but I’m now bringing in Tommy Dearden.”

Parker has picked a very strong squad based on current form, with the Maroons great unsure who should win the final spot on the bench.

Lindsay Collins has been out for a month with a knee injury but is expected to return after the Roosters’ bye, while the versatile Reuben Cotter has copped a two-match ban and won’t play again until the team for game one is announced.

“This is where I’m stuck,” Parker said.

Lindsay Collins hasn’t played an NRL game since April 4 due to injury. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

“It’s Lindsay Collins or Reuben Cotter for me.

“Reuben Cotter is suspended but will be available for selection. He won’t have played for about 25 days by Origin I.

“I was talking to Lindsay Collins over the weekend – I ran into him at Suncorp – and he says he’ll be back soon.”

Corey Parker’s Maroons team for Game 1:

Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Corey Horsburgh, Jeremiah Nanai, Jaydn Su’A, Patrick Carrigan; Bench: Tom Dearden, Tom Gilbert, Beau Fermor, Lindsay Collins/Reuben Cotter; 18th man: Ben Hunt; 19th man: Jaxon Purdue.

Originally published as ‘This organically happens’: Corey Parker predicts Tom Dearden to win Maroons bench spot over Ben Hunt