Here's a hypothetical, using my own personal situation.
I am employed as Project Manager for a company. My role is to ensure projects get completely successfully, on time, on budget, to desired specifications.
I walk into the office tomorrow and tell my boss I've accepted a job elsewhere. When asked why I inform him it's because of the challenge....and double salary. I start there in November, so I've given him a good 5 months notice.
The company is in the midst of a major project which is fairly close to completion, but if the eye gets taken off it in the next few weeks it could become tenuous.
Does the boss take me off the project and give it to some other staff member who is not as skillful or qualified as me, and risk the project going off the rails? Or does he stick with me until the project is safe?
Think of the State of Origin series as a project. Queensland is close to wrapping it up. A win in game 2 and it's done. I don't think anyone doubts that Israel Folau is the best qualified player for the right wing. He's done the job the past 2 series and is in great form in his club footy.
Do you really risk it by bringing in Lote Tuqiri or Brent Tate, who nobody can say is as good as Folau and who don't have the recent working relationship with the rest of the team?
Or do you let Folau play, and if we win game 2, wrap up the series, then say adios and give it to a player who will be staying longer term?
To me it's a no brainer for the QRL. They want to win the series. Folau is the best man for the job. Next year is next year. He should play.