- Latest form in NRL match over weekend not enough
- Slater will have a strong team in Queensland despite injuries
- The first match will be played on June 5 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
David Fifita is a surprising omission from Queensland’s State of Origin squad after a strong effort in Gold Coast’s 36-34 defeat of Brisbane failed to convince the Maroons selectors.
Fifita was enormous with his involvement and impact by running 178 meters, before leaving the field five minutes from the end of the game after a blow to the head.
Coach Des Hasler confirmed after the match that Fifita had suffered a category two HIA and had overcome it.
But AAP has been told that has not been enough to earn him selection in the Maroons team, despite appearing in all three games in a series won 2-1 last year.
David Fifita (right) was a surprise omission from Billy Slater’s Garnets for the 2024 series.
Slater opted for North Queensland defender Jeremy Nanai and Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A in his starting team.
Queensland coach Billy Slater has options in the second row, with Jaydn Su’A in top form for St George Illawarra and J’maine Hopgood a strong chance of making his debut.
“Today he was a different animal,” Titans captain Moeaki Fotuaika said of Fifita.
He was making kickoff runs. “It’s good to see that side of him come out.”
Queensland Maroons squad for Origin I
Cowboys shortstop Tom Dearden has been withdrawn after Cam Munster injury
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentin Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Ruben 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 decisions.
“We weren’t in the races today,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.
“We tried to shoot the Titans, which is never going to work.”
Titans fullback Keano Kini had the best game of his career, setting up three tries, in front of 44,221 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh dazzled in attack, giving the Maroons a huge boost.
The 21-year-old, returning from a week’s absence due to a knee injury, made two digs and had five assists. He is scheduled to be named Queensland fullback.
Walsh made several errors in his game, as he often does, but fired a warning shot to NSW about the danger he poses.
Broncos and Queensland lock Pat Carrigan was reported for a high throw on Josiah Pahulu in the first half, but it would be a surprise if he received more than one fine when the charge sheet is released 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 wild run by Fifita.
Broncos winger Corey Oates scored his 121st career try for the club, moving him into third place on the all-time list.
Broncos genius Ezra Mam set up a penalty attempt for winger Deine Mariner when he produced 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 moving from the last row, ran 10 meters to score and keep his team on the scoreboard.
Walsh connected with hole-running expert Brendan Piakura for a try with a crisp ball, before Titans bench forward Erin Clark dragged four players over the line to reduce the margin to eight points.
The Titans’ makeshift number 6, Chris Randall, crashed after a clever pass from Fifita.
Mam threatened to turn the game on its head with a 90-metre run, but the Titans fought back with tries from Klese Haas and Brian Kelly to take the lead.
Walsh set up Selwyn Cobbo for a late try to secure a grandstand finish.
Fifita left the field in the 75th minute to be assessed after a blow to the head, but the Titans held on, and halfback Tom Weaver saved a late try with a cover tackle on Oates.