Huge calls have been made by the Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater and NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire as they revealed their respective lineups for game 1 of the State of Origin next Wednesday.
Titans’ back-rower David Fifita has been dropped from the Maroon’s 20-man squad, while Tom Dearden has been selected to don the No.6 jersey for the defending champion in game 1.
Dragons star Jaydn Su’A will take over from Fifita in the back row, with Felise Kaufusi and Brendan Piakura in the extended squad.
While explaining the decision to drop Fifita, Slater says the team does not get selected over the last 24 hours but a collection of habits over the year and what players have done in the past.
Blues coach Maguire also made an interesting selection for his game 1 squad after he overlooked incumbent fullback and captain James Tedesco for Panthers’ fullback Dylan Edwards.
Maguire says he has got the utmost respect for Tedesco and he has done everything in the game.
He says Tedesco is one of the most consistent players he has ever seen in a long time, but the coach says he is confident it is the right time to give Edward an opportunity.
The Maroons starting lineup:
Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Reuben Cotter, Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins, Jaydn Su’A, Jeremiah Nanai, Pat Carrigan.
Bench:
Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, J’Maine Hopgood, Selwyn Cobbo.
Reserves:
Felise Kaufusi, Brendan Piakura, Ezra Mam.
The Blues starting lineup:
Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Joseph Sua’ali’i, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nicholas Hynes, Jake Trbojevic (c), Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Angus Crichton, Cameron McInnes.
Bench:
Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau’atu, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young.
Reserves:
Matt Burton, Luke Keary, Mitchell Barnett.
Game 1 of the State of Origin between the Blues and the Maroons will kick off at 10.05pm next Wednesday in Sydney.
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