Queensland coach Billy Slater says the Maroons must bring their best game to Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night and not rely too heavily on the sellout crowd getting them home when the going gets tough.
Slater today announced his 17-man squad for game two on Wednesday week, recalling Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates and rugged Gold Coast Tongan forward Moeaki Fotuaika along with Cowboy Jerimiah Nanai to cover injuries to Tom Gilbert (shoulder) Jai Arrow (ankle) and Bronco Selwyn Cobbo (Hip pointer).
Nanai, who was outstanding in last year’s series, missed Queensland’s first game victory in Adelaide while Fotuaika played his way into the team with a dominant performance for the Titans against the Wests Tigers at the weekend running 138 metres and making 34 tackles.
The 23-year-old 107kg prop is a proven Origin performer having already played four games for the Maroons in the 2021 and 2022 series.
While Slater conceded Queensland fans would turn up to support the Maroons, he said the players could not rely on them and the game being played at Suncorp Stadium and just expect to win against a desperate NSW side.
“We need to prepare right. We need to make sure that we bring our game and if we don’t, well it really doesn’t matter who you are playing or where you are playing.
“The Queenslanders will bring the atmosphere — I know that.
“I know the atmosphere next Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium will be like nothing else in the world.
“I’ve been fortunate to go to some of the great sporting events, Super Bowls, and those sorts of events, they’re nothing compared to what Suncorp Stadium brings on Origin night.
“It’s going to be incredible but our focus and our priority is to bring our game and make sure we give ourselves the best chance through our preparation over the next nine days.
The Queensland squad is:
1.Reece WalshBrisbane Broncos
2.Xavier CoatesMelbourne Storm
3.Valentine HolmesNorth Queensland Cowboys
4.Hamiso Tabuai-FidowThe Dolphins
5.Murray TaulagiNorth Queensland Cowboys
6.Cameron MunsterMelbourne Storm
7.Daly Cherry-Evans (C)Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
8.Lindsay CollinsSydney Roosters
9.Ben HuntSt George Illawarra Dragons
10.Tino Fa’asuamaleauiGold Coast Titans
11.David FifitaGold Coast Titans
12.Jeremiah NanaiNorth Queensland Cowboys
13.Patrick CarriganBrisbane Broncos
14.Harry GrantMelbourne Storm
15.Thomas FleglerBrisbane Broncos
16.Reuben CotterNorth Queensland Cowboys
17.Moeaki FotuaikaGold Coast Titans
18.AJ BrimsonGold Coast Titans
19.Corey HorsburghCanberra Raiders
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