7th Tackle: Queensland's love and loyalty put to the test

Queensland’s much-feted loyalty policy is being put to the test by Billy Slater’s slashing return to the NRL this year.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters is adamant Slater won’t be considered for any other position than fullback.

His problem is Darius Boyd, the incumbent No. 1 and form custodian of the NRL.

MORE 7th TACKLE:

• Cronulla on standby for Walker

• The move that could help Pearce win Origin

• Queensland's love and loyalty put to the test

• NSW's north-bound change of plan

• Players list demands in NRL pay fight

• Lussick a potential casualty in Manly civil war

• Kangaroos fly the coop to Fiji

Boyd could easily revert to the left wing, where he’s excelled countless times.

But that would amount to changing a winning combination, which is something Queensland have avidly avoided in the past.

Should Boyd hold his spot, Kangaroos winger Valentine Holmes will get his start.

If not, Holmes will continue to pay for last year’s Emerging Camp blunder as the Maroons won’t drop Corey Oates from the other wing.

Assuming Johnathon Thurston is fit, Anthony Milford will also be left waiting for his first taste of Origin footy.

7th Tackle's Maroons team: Slater, Boyd, Chambers, Gagai, Oates, Thurston, Cronk, McGuire, Gillett, Thaiday, Myles, Smith (C), Napa. Reserves: Morgan, Guerra, Papalii, Hess.