Brad Fittler's BIG Centres Call As NSW And QLD Name Squads For Origin Decider
Brad Fittler and Billy Slater have named their squads and there's a few surprising omissions.
They're here!
The State of Origin teams to face off in the July 13 decider at Suncorp Stadium have been announced.
With Felise Kaufusi unavailable for Queensland due to personal reasons, Maroons coach Billy Slater has included Cowboys forward Tom Gilbert to his pack.
Gilbert will most likely make his Origin debut from the bench, with his North Queensland teammate Jeremiah Nanai moving into the starting side.
Dane Gagai and Murray Taulagi have retained their spots after coming under much scrutiny, and Cam Munster has been named but will be monitored during the camp while being under an injury cloud.
Roosters' half Sam Walker has been brought into the 22-man squad, with Beau Fermor being moved from the staring side to the extended bench.
The remainder of the team are the same side that were smashed by the Blues in Game 2.
Over in the Blues camp, another Cowboy will make his debut with Jordan McLean coming as prob to replace the injured Payne Haas.
He will partner Jake Trbojevic in the front row after Jurbo put in a brilliant performance in his Game 2 re-call.
Coach Brad Fittler has picked Jack Wighton as 18th man after missing Game 2 with Covid, while Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton will stay in the centres.
Api Korisau has once again been named at number nine, with Damien Cook on the bench.
The rest of the starting side that played in Perth has remained the same, with Nicho Hynes, Clint Gutherson, Jacob Saifiti and my mate Reece Robson (finally!) on the extended bench.
Topics: Rugby League, nrl, team announcement, State of Origin, Australia
Danielle Smith