Queensland coach Billy Slater snubs in-form star in State of Origin selection bombshell
- Late form in the weekend’s NRL match not enough
- Slater will have a strong Queensland squad despite injuries
- Game 1 will be played on June 5 at Accor Stadium in Sydney
David Fifita is a shock omission from Queensland’s State of Origin side after a storming effort in Brisbane’s 36-34 defeat of Gold Coast failed to win over the Maroons selectors.
Fifita was huge with his involvement and impact as he ran 178 meters before leaving the field with five minutes to go after taking a head knock.
Coach Des Hasler confirmed after the match that Fifita had suffered and passed a category two HIA.
But AAP has been told this is not enough to select him in the Maroons squad, despite recording a 2-1 win in all three matches last year.
David Fifita (right) was a surprising omission from Billy Slater’s Maroons for the 2024 series
Slater went with North Queensland backrower Jeremy Nanai and Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A in his starting squad
Queensland coach Billy Slater does have options in the second row, with Jaydn Su’A in top form for St George Illawarra and J’maine Hopgood a strong chance of a debut.
βHe was a different animal today,β Titans captain Moeaki Fotuaika said of Fifita.
‘He was kicking off. It’s good to see that side of him coming out.’
Queensland Maroons squad for Origin I
Cowboys half Tom Dearden has been recalled following Cam Munster’s injury
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Pat Carrigan
Bank:
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. J’Maine Hopgood
17. Selwyn Cobbo
Reserves: 18. Felise Kaufusi, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Ezra Mam
The Broncos lacked discipline and shot themselves in the foot with poor choices.
βWe weren’t at the races today,β Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.
“We tried to outlast the Titans, but that will never work.”
Titans fullback Keano Kini had the best game of his career as he set up three tries in front of 44,221 fans at Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh dazzled in attack and provided a huge boost for the Maroons.
The 21-year-old, who returned from a week’s absence with a knee injury, made two line-breaks and had five line-break assists. He is named fullback for Queensland.
Walsh, like him, made several mistakes in his play, but he fired a warning shot at NSW about the danger he poses.
Broncos and Queensland lock Pat Carrigan was booked in the first half for a high shot on Josiah Pahulu, but it would be surprising if he was given more than a fine when the charges come out on Monday.
Brisbane prop Payne Haas opened the scoring before Titans winger Tony Francis injured his right shoulder trying to tackle Walsh. Francis bravely stayed on the field long enough to score a try after a furious run from Fifita.
Broncos winger Corey Oates scored his 121st career try for the club, putting him outright third on the all-time list.
Broncos whizz Ezra Mam set up a penalty for winger Deine Mariner when he put through a delightful kick. Mariner was tackled by Titans center Beau Fermor before he had a chance to score.
Fermor, in his best game of the season after switching from the back row, raced 10 meters to score to keep his side in it.
Walsh hit hole-running expert Brendan Piakura for a cracking ball try, before Titans bench forward Erin Clark dragged four players over the line to reduce the margin to eight points.
Titans makeshift number 6 Chris Randall crashed after a devious Fifita pass.
Mom threatened to turn the game around with a 90-yard run, but the Titans hit back with tries to Klese Haas and Brian Kelly to take the lead.
Walsh set up Selwyn Cobbo for a late try to ensure a grandstand finish.
Fifita left the field in the 75th minute for review following a headbutt, but the Titans held on, with half Tom Weaver saving a late try with a cover tackle on Oates.