Queensland coach Billy Slater explains why he’s dropped star in one of the strangest selection moves of 2024

David Fifita’s omission from Queensland’s squad for the deciding game against Queensland State came as a surprise, but coach Billy Slater has reiterated why the Gold Coast forward was not selected.

Slater also said injury concerns played a role in St George Illawarra second rower Jaydn Su’A being dropped from the starting 17 following the 38-18 loss in game two. Warriors veteran Kurt Capewell, who came off the bench in game two, has been promoted to the starting line-up for the July 17 clash at Suncorp Stadium.

“Jaydn Su’A is the other player who is a bit unlucky not to be in the squad but he has some issues and is undergoing scans for a problem he picked up last weekend,” Slater said.

AAP has learned that Su’A has undergone scans of his stiff quadriceps, which he injured during Sunday’s club defeat to the Sydney Roosters.

Fifita played in all three games of last year’s successful Maroons Origin campaign before tearing a pectoral muscle in pre-season. He has averaged a career-high 159m with the ball in 12 NRL appearances in 2024 and improved his defensive efficiency from 90.4 per cent in 2023 to 93.3 per cent

Slater said before the first match of this year’s series that Fifita had not lived up to the standards he set last year.

The coach was quizzed again on Monday over why Fifita, who played one of his best games of the season in the 66-6 win over the Warriors two weeks ago, was overlooked.

“All Queenslanders are considered and Dave’s name has been mentioned at all the matches,” Slater said.

Fifita (pictured) has been left out of the Maroons Origin squad for the deciding match

‘As I said at the beginning of the series, he started the season at a disadvantage due to a chest injury. He didn’t have a great preparation and he’s still trying to reach the level he set for himself last year.

“I’m sure he’d be the first to admit that. These are not just throwaway conversations that we’re having behind closed doors, these are the 17 that we think are best for game three.”

Slater did not elaborate on the areas where Fifita will not yet achieve the best results in 2024.

Titans coach Des Hasler said before the Maroons squad was announced that Fifita had been “pretty consistent overall”.

“He’s had a few injuries but I think his last month of football has been pretty strong,” Hasler said.

The Titans star played all three State of Origin games for the Maroons last year

Fifita’s cousin and Titans teammate Jojo Fifita said Origin’s rejection would only inspire David.

“It’s too bad for Dave,” Jojo said.

‘I think the Maroons shirt is a big inspiration for him to improve throughout the year.

‘If he continues like this, there is no doubt that he will be in the team next year.’