The Origin door is still ajar for shock Queensland omission Billy Slater.

And QRL chairman John McDonald says Michael Hagan is welcome to stay on as Maroons mentor even if NSW becomes only the second Blues team to come back from 1-0 down to win an Origin series.

Slater was the big name casualty when a 16-man Maroons team was named after selectors opted to promote Queensland reserve Matt Bowen to starting fullback for the July 6 clash.

But Hagan hinted that the Melbourne No.1 may still fill the TBA on the end of Queensland's bench.

"It's probably not out of the question, it's just a matter of reassessing a few things this weekend and seeing what we need," Hagan said.

"He would be one of a couple of guys we would have a look at, sure."

Slater had been impressive in the first Origin and staked his claim for game three with a first half hat-trick for the Storm against Souths last Saturday night.

Hagan admitted it was a risk to drop Slater for the series decider.

"I think there is always a risk in terms of coming up with the right football team at this level but...we needed to come up with a better football team for game three," he said.

"In the end it was about coming up with the best 17 for Queensland, well best 16, and getting the balance right.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP