Queensland Maroons Game I squad

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Mon 30 May 2022, 08:59 AM

The Queensland Rugby League is pleased to confirm the Queensland Maroons squad for Game I of the State of Origin series against the New South Wales Blues.

Four players who have come through Queensland Rugby League’s pathway competitions and programs will make their Origin debuts for the Maroons, who assemble in Brisbane today to begin preparations for the June 8 clash in Sydney.

Game 1 - Game 1 - Wednesday 8 Jun

Full Time

Blues

Maroons

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Cherbourg Hornets junior Selwyn Cobbo has played his way onto the wing following a series of consistent performances for the Brisbane Broncos, while a similar rich vein of form has been the catalyst for the selection of North Queensland Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter at lock.

Maroons coach Billy Slater has also injected new blood onto the interchange bench, with Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos) and Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys) named alongside Harry Grant and Lindsay Collins.

Collins returns to the Origin arena for the first time since 2020 in which he played all three games of the series.

Queensland selectors have also rewarded the consistent efforts of forward mainstays Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Josh Papalii, Kurt Capewell and Felise Kaufusi.

They will pack down alongside starting hooker Ben Hunt, who starred for Queensland in the No. 9 jersey in last year’s Game III victory.

The proven halves combination of captain Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster unite again, with the experienced duo to combine with an exciting backline featuring Kalyn Ponga, Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai and Xavier Coates.

Tom Dearden, Jai Arrow, Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi will also join the Maroons camp as part of an extended squad.

Cherry-Evans will captain the Maroons for a fourth consecutive series.