Path’s elevation to the Maroons’ fold could hinge on the future of veteran utility Ben Hunt, who will be 35 at the start of the series in 2025.

Having signed a two-year deal with the Broncos, Hunt is yet to retire from or confirm his availability for Queensland duties, and Plath’s utility-value could make him a tempting replacement option.

Plath – who has played five-eighth, second row, lock and hooker – revealed he had spent much of the preseason at dummy-half, and was open to playing in the backrow once Gilbert returned.

The Dolphins’ Player of the Year has led the way in fitness testing, and given Slater’s game plan attempted to grind the Blues to the death to counter their size advantage, his endurance and adaptability could bode well for his selection chances.

“That’s my next evolution as a player, getting more skilful at hooker, and lucky enough I’ve grown up playing in the halves, so playing at lock and in ball-playing areas comes easier to me,” Plath said.

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“Now it’s getting more reps at hooker and trying to develop my game into being that really quality hooker, and hopefully, I can open myself up to more positions.

“You hear a lot about players with that second-year syndrome where they take it a bit easier, or lay off the pedal a bit. I’m trying to make a conscious effort not to do that.

“I’m not the fastest, or the strongest, or the most skilful, so I need to have some sort of edge.”