With several key players in doubt for next week’s State of Origin opener, Queensland Maroons coach Paul Green has named a 20-man squad ahead of the annual Australian rugby league series.
Injured pair Kalyn Ponga (groin) and Cameron Munster (foot) have both been selected but will need to prove their fitness before being able to take on the New South Wales Blues on June 9.
There are also doubts over Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson, who injured his knee in the Titans’ NRL loss to Cronulla on Sunday, while Melbourne back-rower Felise Kaufusi is facing a one-game ban after being charged with tripping Brisbane’s Jake Turpin.
Warriors wonderkid Reece Walsh was not available for selection in the injury-hit areas of the six and one jerseys for Queensland because of a suspension arising out of the Warriors’ clunky loss to the Cowboys on Friday night. His name had been touted by Queensland great Wally Lewis, but it remains unknown if he was actually close to being an unlikely selection bolter.
With Josh Papalii and Josh McGuire both suspended and prop Lindsay Collins (knee) injured, Green has called up Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue.
The other potential debutant for the Maroons is North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt, who will be pushing clubmate Valentine Holmes or Brisbane flier Xavier Coates for a starting role.
Queensland Origin squad: Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Kurt Capewell, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans (capt), Christian Welch, Reed Mahoney, Jai Arrow, David Fifita, Felise Kaufusi, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Joe Ofahengaue, Jaydn Su’A, AJ Brimson, Coen Hess, Kyle Feldt.
