FORMER Queensland Maroons prop and current Kaiviti Silktails chairman Petero Civoniceva has thrown his support behind the team ahead of tonight’s State of Origin Game One clash against New South Wales at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Speaking to the media at Albert Park in Suva recently, Civoniceva said the Maroons are ready for what he expects to be a fierce contest against a strong Blues outfit.
“As a former Queensland player, I’m backing the Maroons,” he said.
“It’s going to be a big competition and obviously the New South Wales Blues have named a very strong side.”
Civoniceva said Queensland coach Billy Slater had also assembled a team in strong form heading into the opening match of the 2026 Origin series.
“Billy Slater has picked a very informed side as well too, so it is going to be a great competition.”
The former Maroons forward, who remains closely connected with the Queensland camp as an ambassador, said he was excited to still be involved with the team’s preparations.
“I’m very fortunate that I’m still an ambassador with the Maroons and to have that close involvement with their preparation is really exciting for me,” Civoniceva said.
He added that he was confident Queensland could begin the series on a winning note and hopeful the Maroons would reclaim State of Origin honours in 2026.
“I’m hopeful of a Queensland victory this year in 2026.”
The Maroons will take on the Blues in Game One of Origin at 10.05pm tonight.
