Footy great has a conspiracy theory about why one of the game’s best players was snubbed by the Queensland State of Origin side
Footy great Laurie Daley has helped put forward a theory explaining why David Fifita was dropped for Game I of Origin, despite the Gold Coast wrecking ball being one of the most destructive players in the game.
Queensland coach Billy Slater says David Fifita is not living up to the “high standards” he set last season as he explained his decision to drop him for the series opener.
Parramatta forward J’maine Hopgood has come into the starting team as the only debutant in the 17 who face NSW on June 5, taking Fifita’s place.
While the Blues have made big changes under new coach Michael Maguire, Slater has the luxury of sticking with most of the side that has won the past two series, although there are a few adjustments with Jaydn Su’A making his first appearance returns. since 2021.
Laurie Daley (pictured) thinks the surprise decision to sack David Fifita could have something to do with his recent backflip on a deal with the Roosters
David Fifita (pictured) played all three Origin games last year and remains one of the most destructive players in the game when on top form
He starts in the back row in place of Fifita, who has been in excellent form this season and scored one of Queensland’s two tries in the third match last year.
Daley believes the decision to ax Fifita could have something to do with his recent decision to sensationally renege on his deal to defect to the Roosters in a four-year megabucks deal.
Fifita was booed after putting himself on the open market in a similar way to how Daly Cherry-Evans was treated after reversing his deal to join the Titans.
Cherry-Evans was then loathed north of the border for years and banned from the Origin team.
‘I’m shocked that David Fifita is not here. Last year he played all three games,” Gerard Middleton told Sky Sports.
‘Conspiracy theory. The backflip. How is this viewed externally? Whether they think that is the right mindset.’
Daley suggested this could be part of the reason for the decision to drop him.
“And he was great last year too,” Daley said of Fifita.
Daley said as a NSW supporter he is happy Fifita was not selected by the Maroons
Maroons coach Billy Slater (pictured) said Fifita has not played at the same high level as last year
“When Daly Cherry-Evans made the decision to do a backflip too, wasn’t he left out of the Queensland team? I’m pretty sure he may have been banished around that time. That could be part of it. I’m not sure. But Fifita’s actions yesterday were damaging, the amount of work he had to do.
“I have to say, if I’m NSW, I’m glad he’s not in that squad.”
Slater has turned to North Queensland’s Tom Dearden to replace the injured Cameron Munster who will miss the series with a groin injury, with the five-eighth Cowboys showing he is ready for the Origin arena after joining his debut in the 2022 decider.
“You don’t have to look at Tommy too long to understand what he brings to a football team,” he said.
“The only thing Queensland had when Cam Munster went down was quality players who could fill that position.
“There was no wrong decision there (in fifth place), but I thought Tommy deserved this opportunity.
“He’s got great habits in his game and he’s done a great job for Queensland.”
Ben Hunt will start again at hooker with Harry Grant coming off the bench, where he will be joined by Broncos center Selwyn Cobbo, who will cover for any injuries to the outside backs.
“He’s definitely there to provide a bit of cover, but at the same time Selwyn can play in different positions,” Slater said.
“Maybe I’ll even make one for him, who knows.
“We’ll plan that over the course of the week, but he’s a great player and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg of what he can do.”
Dolphins hitman Felise Kaufusi is back in the squad as the 18th man, while Bronco’s youngsters Ezra Mam and Brendan Piakura are also on standby for the series opener.
QUEENSLAND SQUAD FOR GAME 1
1. Reece Walsh, Brisbane Broncos
2. Xavier Coates, Melbourne Storm
3. Valentine Holmes, North Queensland Cowboys
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, The Dolphins
5. Murray Taulagi, North Queensland Cowboys
6. Tom Dearden, North Queensland Cowboys
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
8. Reuben Cotter, North Queensland Cowboys
9. Ben Hunt, St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Lindsay Collins, Sydney Hanen
11. Jaydn Su’A, St George Illawarra Dragons
12. Jeremiah Nanai, North Queensland Cowboys
13. Patrick Carrigan, Brisbane Broncos
14. Harry Grant, Melbourne Storm
15. Moeaki Fotuaika, Gold Coast Titans
16. J’maine Hopgood, Parramatta Eels
17. Selwyn Cobbo, Brisbane Broncos
18. Felise Kaufusi, The Dolphins
19. Brendan Piakura, Brisbane Broncos
20. Ezra Mam, Brisbane Broncos