Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga, centre Dane Gagai and veteran backrower Kurt Capewell were the big omissions as Billy Slater’s Queensland State of Origin team for Game 1 was revealed on Monday.
Incumbent No.1 Ponga and Gagai were reportedly set to be selected before the Knights’ horror loss to Cronulla on Saturday. Instead, in-form Brisbane young gun Reece Walsh will start at fullback with Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow replacing Gagai in the centres.
The omission of Capewell — who was under an injury cloud with a shoulder problem — Felise Kaufusi’s suspension means a new-look back row for the Maroons and an Origin recall for hulking Gold Coast backrower David Fifita. Dolphins’ Tom Gilbert also earns a start on the edge with Kaufusi ruled out over his swinging arm on former teammate Christian Welch.
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Ponga’s time spent sidelined — and a bizarre brain fade against Cronulla — was said to have an influence in Slater’s decision while Gagai’s defence was put under the spotlight by Queensland coaching staff.
Ponga featured in all three games last year and delivered a man of the match performance in last year’s series decider.
Walsh will now make a long-awaited Origin debut after he was ruled out with a hamstring tear during the captain’s run two years ago.
Meanwhile, Jai Arrow and Thomas Flegler have also earned Maroons recalls for Origin I as Queensland sweat on the availability of forwards Kaufusi and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Fa’asuamaleaui remains hopeful of avoiding a suspension after two incidents in the Titans’ loss to the Bulldogs. If he is banned he would likely be replaced by Welch who has been named as No.19.
Heavy Tino contact divides panel! | 01:29
Kaufusi will miss the series opener after being charged with a grade two careless high tackle by the match review committee on Christian Welch.
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Selwyn Cobbo and Murray Taulagi are the wingers while Valentine Holmes and Tabuai-Fidow line up in the centres.
Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans are automatic selections in the halves while Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will form a dynamic hooking duo again, with Hunt getting the starting spot. Lindsay Collins and Reuben Cotter retain their spots while Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden has been named as the Maroons’ 18th man.
QUEENSLAND MAROONS STATE OF ORIGIN SQUAD FOR GAME 1
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C)
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Tom Gilbert
12. David Fifita
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Jai Arrow
18. Tom Dearden
19. Christian Welch