HOW THE QUEENSLAND TEAM SHAPES UP FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II AT THE MCG
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Fullback: Reece Walsh
Age: 21
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Walsh was knocked senseless in game one by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and played just seven minutes. Hasn't played since but has trained without a hiccup in Maroons camp. The man known as "Reece Lightning" will be a marked man but stopping his genius is easier said than done.
Winger: Xavier Coates
Age: 23
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 4
Coates has made a name for himself scoring tries in the corner with superman feats of athleticism, at times resembling a contortionist twisting and turning his body in the air and still grounding the ball. In open space he is lethal and returns the ball strongly.
Centre: Valentine Holmes
Age: 28
Origins: 17
Origin tries: 13
The North Queensland star has been a Maroons regular since his Origin debut in 2017. A phenomenal try-scorer who is third on the all-time list for Origin tries behind Greg Inglis (18) and Darius Boyd (17). Will have his work cut out marking Latrell Mitchell.
Centre: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Age: 22
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 8
The man known as "Hammer" scored a hat-trick in game one after switching to fullback. Has the best strike rate for Origin tries, at 1.6 per match, for any player to have contested more than one match. The former Gold Coast Suns academy member will play his first match at the MCG after once dreaming of following in the footsteps of AFL icon Buddy Franklin.
Winger: Murray Taulagi
Age: 25
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 1
A powerhouse athlete, Taulagi is safe under the high ball and a force to be reckoned with when bringing the ball back. One of five Cowboys players in the 17, he has a great understanding with the players inside him which aids Queensland.
Five-eighth: Tom Dearden
Age: 23
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Dearden has won both Origin games he has played and has slotted in for star Cameron Munster with aplomb. Seems like he has played Origin for a decade, with his composure, toughness and high skill level perfectly suited.
Halfback: Daly Cherry- Evans (c)
Age: 35
Origins: 23
Origin tries: 2
Cherry-Evans was man of the match in game one and is one of the few Origin players in history to get better in his mid-30s in the toughest arena. A win at the MCG will have him join Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith as the only captains to lead a team to three consecutive Origin series wins.
Prop: Reuben Cotter
Age: 25
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
Cotter has been a key figure for the Maroons ever since coach Billy Slater took over as coach in 2022. Has made an incredible 232 tackles in five Origin matches and rarely misses. Not a big prop by any means, Cotter packs a real punch.
Hooker: Ben Hunt
Age: 34
Origins: 18
Origin tries: 5
The veteran half scored a double in the 38-10 win in game one in one of his most accomplished Origin displays. Hunt thrives whenever he pulls on a Maroons jersey and combines putting the team first with showcasing individual skill and anticipation when a game is on the line.
Prop: Lindsay Collins
Age: 28
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 0
The Sydney Roosters front-rower is one of the first picked for the Maroons. A warrior and a workhorse, Collins has made a name for himself by coming up with a try-saving tackle or massive run just when his team needs it.
Second-row: Jaydn Su'A
Age: 26
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
Su'A admits he was drained after game one in Sydney following an emotional week after being recalled for the first time since 2021. The enforcer of the side who can turn a match with a bone-jarring hit or barnstorming run.
Second-row: Jeremiah Nanai
Age: 21
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
Had a delayed start to training with the team as he was carrying a clag "niggle". One of the NRL's most dangerous attacking forwards, Nanai is a weapon in the air where his ability to leap, catch bombs and score has become a calling card.
Lock: Patrick Carrigan
Age: 26
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 0
The Broncos No.13 has established himself as one of the game's premier forwards. His high work-rate, athleticism and silky ball skills are all strengths. When Cherry-Evans hangs up the boots Carrigan will be one of the leading contenders to take over as skipper.
Bench: Harry Grant
Age: 26
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 1
Grant is the perfect dummy-half complement to starting rake Hunt. When the sting has gone out of the game and forwards start to tire Grant is at his most dangerous. His speed off the mark, guile and overall game sense are assets he brings out in the Origin arena.
Bench: Moeaki Fotuaika
Age: 24
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
Fotuaika plays in a Gold Coast side that regularly fails to fire but that hasn't stopped him from shining against the best. Off the bench he offers impact and motors into the defensive line with thrust and surprising speed for a big man.
Bench: Felise Kaufusi
Age: 32
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 2
Kaufusi was 18th man in game one but was activated when Walsh was concussed. The veteran was last in the Maroons 17 in 2022 but has fired his way back into the side on the back of stellar form for the Dolphins. One of the most intimidating defenders.
Bench: Kurt Capewell
Age: 30
Origins: 9
Tries: 2
Capewell plays his first Origin game since 2022 and has been selected for his reliability and versatility. While a second-rower for the Warriors, he has played in the centres for the Maroons. Will be utilised on the edge as an outside back if the Maroons have an injury.
18th man: Dane Gagai
Age: 33
Origins: 22
Tries: 12
Gagai is one of those Queenslanders who grows an extra arm and leg when he pulls on a Maroons jumper. A try-scoring revelation, he can fill any void in the outside backs.
Australian Associated Press
