Maroons coach Billy Slater has named his squad for Game Two of the Ampol State of Origin series with Broncos superstar Reece Walsh recalled and Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki poised to make his Origin debut.
With Pat Carrigan (ankle) and Gehamat Shibasaki (knee) unavailable due to injury and Ezra Mam dropping out, Walsh is the only Bronco in the Maroons squad for the do-or-die clash.
Walsh made his Origin debut in Game One of the 2023 series, which Queensland won 2-1, before playing all three games in the 2024 series.
Injury ruled the Broncos superstar out of the start of the 2025 series and by the time he had returned to full fitness, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had nailed down the fullback spot for the Maroons and Walsh was 18th man in Game Three.
“It’s the best thing for the footy team ... we all know what Reece is capable of doing and now we’ve got 10 days to go after our best footy and help our players be at their best," Slater said.
"I’ve got a great relationship with Reece that goes back to when he debuted for the Warriors.
Slater discusses Origin II selections
“He’s built a really good game.
“If needed, I’m sure he’ll go out there and perform that.
"We know what he’s capable of."
Finefeuiaki was part of the Maroons’ extended squad in Game One as 20th man but has been promoted to the six-man bench, with Cowboys forward Heilum Luki the new 20th man.
“He was a part of the extended squad last year and for Game One this year," Slater said of Finefeuiaki.
“When the opportunity arose, he’s been playing the standard of footy that’s acceptable for this footy team for a long time.
“Now he gets that opportunity.
“He runs pretty hard, it’s a big strength of his game.
“I like his consistency with his carries and the big development and improvement in his game has been his defence.
“He’s worked really hard on that and it will be of value to the team.
“Naturally he was excited. He’s been involved in a couple of camps over the last couple of years, knowing he wasn’t going to play.
“Now he knows he is going to be lacing the boots up.
“I look forward to working with him and helping him build his game and gelling with his team-mates and working out how to best use him and that’ll all be something that’s in front of us and look forward to it."
Cowboys flyer Murray Taulagi also returns to the Maroons’ squad for the clash at the MCG on June 17.
Taulagi made his return from a concussion lay-off for the Cowboys against the Dolphins and will look to add to his tally of six Origins.
Queensland Maroons Game II squad
1. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
2. Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)
3. Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
5. Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans)
6. Cameron Munster (c) (Melbourne Storm)
7. Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters)
8. Thomas Flegler (Dolphins)
9. Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
11. Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks)
12. Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors)
13. Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
14. Max Plath (Dolphins)
15. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)
17. Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)
18. Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
19. Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)
20. Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys)
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to get yours before they are gone.
