The factors behind Billy Slater's choice to replace Munster for the Maroons

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has given an insight into a decision which could shape the outcome of the upcoming State of Origin series as he decides who will wear the same jersey made famous by the likes of Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer.

Slater will name his team for the 2024 series, which kicks-off on June 5 at Accor Stadium in Sydney, on Monday with the biggest selection decision being Cameron Munster’s replacement at five-eighth.

Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden and Broncos star Ezra Mam are the favoured options to replace Munster but Slater said a lot goes into the decision.

“I think you look for what the team needs and the other thing is who is earning that opportunity the most,” he said on Mornings with Ben Davis on SENQ.

“We talk a lot in the Queensland team about earning stuff and not winning stuff, there’s an element of luck to winning, when you earn something you work for it.

“These players have been working throughout their whole career and then in the short term through the preseason and then what they’ve done in the last 11 rounds, that’s earning to me.

“So you collate all that information, whether they’ve been there before, whether they’ve played in big games and then you make a calculated decision on who you think deserves to wear that Maroons jersey.

“I don’t see this as my team, this is Queensland’s team, I’ve just got a responsibility and a job to do within that team so.

“The fact that you’re having a discussion about a number of candidates to wear the No.6 jersey, means that Queensland is in a pretty good spot.”

With several key players to miss this year’s series due to injury, including Tom Gilbert, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and even Tom Flegler, Slater said “Queensland will be ok”.

Game III of this year’s series will be at Suncorp Stadium on July 17 with Game II at the MCG on June 26.