But there is a very real chance that the veteran fullback may never wear the Queensland jersey again after his shock withdrawal from Wednesday's State of Origin opener in Melbourne.

The Maroons are reeling after 29 Origin star Slater pulled out of the series opener with a hamstring injury just hours after coach Kevin Walters curiously confirmed he would play.

He had confirmed he would retire from representative football after the 2018 series.

Slater admitted he had no idea when he would be back but was aiming for Origin II in Sydney on June 24 - in less than three weeks' time.

Asked if he feared he may have played his last Origin, Slater said: "I haven't really thought of that".

Slater also didn't have much to offer about a potential replacement at fullback.

"The beauty is we have a few options. I am not sure which way the selectors are going to go - whichever way we go we will have a great fullback and a great side."

At the age of 20, Knights No.1 Kalyn Ponga looms as an Origin bolter either as Slater's fullback replacement or a bench utility with Greg Inglis or Michael Morgan switched to the custodian role.

Asked if Ponga was up to Origin, Slater said: "He's been great this year but there are certainly plenty of options."

That includes Anthony Milford, who has also be brought in as cover.

In the meantime, Slater - who had just overcome a two year battle with chronic shoulder injuries - will battle away to be fit for Origin II.

"The main focus is getting the hamstring right and get back out on the field whether that is for (NRL club) the Storm or Queensland," he said.

"It's not too far away but it is a big occasion on Wednesday night and I am not prepared."

Slater's absence comes for the Maroons after the representative retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

Australian Associated Press