Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker has been backed by Billy Slater to guide Queensland from halfback but Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has bene left out of the squad for the State of Origin opener on 27 May in Sydney.
The omission of Walsh, below his best in recent weeks, will be a surprise to some but Newcastle talisman Kalyn Ponga has a wonderful pedigree in Origin football at No 1.
“It is difficult but we’ve all see what Kalyn’s done at this level and also his return for the Knights this year,” coach Billy Slater said. “He’s in exceptional form and I feel his best position is fullback. He knows how to play that position and has really nailed it.
“We know what [Walsh is] capable of and he knows. He’s got a really good understanding of the things he’s focusing on when he plays his best football … and he’s getting there.”
The Maroons have stuck solid with 11 players who won the Origin decider last year in the historic 24-12 triumph in Sydney, while naming six debutants in a 20-man squad to contest the Origin series opener.
Wearing No 7 Walker will join Dolphins pocket rocket Max Plath (lock) and Gold Coast winger Jojo Fifita as the new players in the starting side. Cronulla forward Briton Nikora (No 14) and Brisbane No 6 Ezra Mam (No 18) are listed on the six-man bench. Dolphins powerhouse Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is 20th man.
Walker was likened this week by Darren Lockyer to a modern-day Allan Langer due to his unpredictability and brilliance. The Maroons brains trust are convinced he is ready to unleash his best at halfback after last year’s No 7 and player of the Origin series, Tom Dearden, suffered a syndesmosis injury playing for North Queensland.
“We feel really confident about Sam Walker being the best option to play halfback,” coach Billy Slater said. “I know how much he loves this state and I can imagine him in the backyard dreaming of playing for Queensland with the No.7 on his back. It gives me chills thinking about it.”
Thomas Flegler’s return to action this year was an inspirational story of dedication and commitment in itself, after spending 677 days on the sidelines due to a shoulder nerve issue. The 26-year-old’s firebrand ways and uncompromising mentality upfront will be crucial.
Fifita has been one of the Titans’ best this season after being switched from wing to centre. He plays both positions with aplomb and will partner recalled Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo whose last month of football has seen him at his most damaging best. Plath has been given a great responsibility at starting lock and also gives Slater contingencies with his versatility.
In the New South Wales camp, James Tedesco’s attacking brilliance has helped the Sydney Roosters captain edge out Dylan Edwards and reclaim his crown as the Blues’ first-choice fullback.
Daley has shown little regard for history after losing last year’s series, picking six debutants – Tolu Koula, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Victor Radley, Ethan Strange and Casey McLean – in his 19-man squad.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said Tedesco’s attacking spark proved the difference.
“We could only find a place for one, there was some discussion around whether one of them may have been on the bench, but we didn’t think that was the right fit,” Daley said on Monday. “In the end, Teddy got the job; it’s just more around how we want to play.”
Daley said a big factor in his selection was the fact Tedesco had played Test and Origin football with halfback Nathan Cleary and featured at club level with five-eighth Mitchell Moses and starting hooker Reece Robson. Game one will mark Tedesco’s 24th Blues appearance and his first since the opening game of the 2024 series.
Fonua-Blake and Radley have represented New Zealand and England in Test football but a change in eligibility rules has permitted both players to make their Origin bows.
Koula, meanwhile, is named to line up on the wing alongside Brian To’o with Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton picked in the centres. The pair will be tasked with filling the void left by South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew from selection due to the fact he has struggling with a back injury over recent weeks.
NSW team: James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula*, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Isaah Yeo (capt). Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley*, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey*, Ethan Strange*, Casey McLean*. Reserve: Dylan Lucas*.
Queensland team: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11, Reuben Cotter, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Max Plath, 14. Briton Nikora, 15, Lindsay Collins, 16, Pat Carrigan, 17, Trent Loiero, 18. Ezra Mam, 19. Gehamat Shibasaki, 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
