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The Queensland Maroons have announced their team for Game I of State of Origin, with Titans prop David Fifita a shock omission from Billy Slater’s squad.
Eels forward J’maine Hopgood is the sole debutant in the 17-player line-up.
The 20-player squad also includes Broncos players Brendan Piakura and Ezra Mam for the first time.
Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A returns to the side for the first time since Game I of the 2021 series, with Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi is named as 18th man.
Tom Dearden has been named as Cameron Munster’s replacement at five-eighth, with the Broncos’ Ezra Mam also named in the 20-player squad.
Aside from Munster’s absence, the Maroons have gone for a relatively unchanged back-line featuring Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi.
Daly Cherry-Evans is the halfback and captain, having led Queensland to three series victories in 2020, 2022, 2023.
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Queensland squad
1. Reece Walsh – Brisbane Broncos
2. Xavier Coates – Melbourne Storm
3. Valentine Holmes – North Qld Cowboys
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – The Dolphins
5. Murray Taulagi – North Qld Cowboys
6. Tom Dearden – North Qld Cowboys
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) – Manly Sea Eagles
8. Reuben Cotter – North Qld Cowboys
9. Ben Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Lindsay Collins – Sydney Roosters
11. Jaydn Su’A – St George Illawarra Dragons
12. Jeremiah Nanai – North Qld Cowboys
13. Patrick Carrigan – Brisbane Broncos
14. Harry Grant – Melbourne Storm
15. Moeaki Fotuaika – Gold Coast Titans
16. J’maine Hopgood – Parramatta Eels
17. Selwyn Cobbo – Brisbane Broncos
18. Felise Kaufusi – The Dolphins
19. Brendan Piakura – Brisbane Broncos
20. Ezra Mam – Brisbane Broncos
Posted , updated
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