Queensland Maroons name State of Origin Game I squad, David Fifita shock omission

The Queensland Maroons have introduced their group for Recreation I of Climate of Foundation, with Titans prop David Fifita a trauma omission from Billy Slater’s squad.

Fifita performed all 3 video games in ultimate yr’s exciting 2-1 order victory however has been overlooked in spite of a barnstorming begin to the yr with the Titans.

The 24-year-old is averaging 151 operating metres a recreation over his 9 suits this season, greater than any alternative season in his occupation, and was once rewarded with the Scott Prince Medal as guy of the fit in Gold Coast’s trauma 36-34 victory towards Brisbane on Sunday. 

“David created a really high standard for his footy last year, he just hasn’t quite got to that standard this year,” Slater mentioned.

“I spoke to Dave last night, he’s taken the disappointing news like a true Queenslander, wishes the best of the footy team and reiterated that in a text message after.

“I’ve were given refuse lack of certainty that Dave gets again to the footy that he performed ultimate yr and I’m positive that he’ll play games in a Maroons jersey going forward once more.”

Eels ahead J’maine Hopgood is the only real debutant within the 17-player line-up.

“You understand when a participant is going still at the alternative finish of the decision how a lot it way to them,” Slater mentioned.

“He earned his means into the camp ultimate yr for Recreation III and that wasn’t only for revel in.

“[I’m] looking forward to seeing him go out there and represent his state.”

Dragons ahead Jaydn Su’A returns to the aspect for the primary generation since Recreation I of the 2021 order, with Dolphins ahead Felise Kaufusi named as 18th guy.

Tom Dearden has been named as Cameron Munster’s alternative at five-eighth, with the Broncos’ Ezra Mam additionally named within the 20-player squad.

“The one thing that Queensland did have when Cameron Munster went down was quality players who could fill in that position,” Slater mentioned.

“When you’re a part of that squad it means you’re playing to the standard that this footy team has created.

“There was once most definitely now not a incorrect determination there, however I simply really feel that Tommy Dearden in reality earned this chance.”

Aside from Munster’s absence, the Maroons have gone for a relatively unchanged back-line featuring Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi.

Brisbane centre Selwyn Cobbo has been named as a utility on the bench due to his ability to cover all the outside back positions.

“4 of the ultimate six Foundation video games we’ve needed to substitute an outdoor again,” Slater mentioned.

“Surely just a little of barricade however on the identical generation, Selwyn can play games diverse positions, I would possibly even assemble one for him, who is aware of.

“We’ll build that plan as the week goes on, but he’s a wonderful player.”

Daly Cherry-Evans is the halfback and captain, having led Queensland to 3 order victories in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

The 20-player squad additionally comprises Broncos avid gamers Brendan Piakura and Ezra Mam for the primary generation.

Future an shock situation pressured untouched Blues schoolmaster Michael Maguire into making 11 adjustments from Recreation III ultimate yr, together with six debutants, the Maroons can depend on balance for the primary game in Sydney on June 5.

Excluding Hopgood, Queensland — who handiest blooded two debutants within the 2023 order — will whisk 16 alternative avid gamers with Foundation revel in to the order opener.

“I wouldn’t say comfortable, that’s probably not the word that I feel right now,” Slater mentioned later naming his squad.

“But I’m certainly excited about getting to work.

“We’ve were given ten days of preparation … to get our recreation on.”

ABC Game is reside running a blog each and every spherical of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2024.

Queensland squad

1.    Reece Walsh – Brisbane Broncos

2.    Xavier Coates – Melbourne Storm

3.    Valentine Holmes – North Qld Cowboys

4.    Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – The Dolphins

5.    Murray Taulagi – North Qld Cowboys

6.    Tom Dearden – North Qld Cowboys

7.    Daly Cherry-Evans (c) – Manly Sea Eagles

8.    Reuben Cotter – North Qld Cowboys

9.    Ben Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons

10.    Lindsay Collins – Sydney Roosters

11.    Jaydn Su’A – St George Illawarra Dragons

12.    Jeremiah Nanai – North Qld 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