Queensland head coach Billy Slater has named a strong Maroons team for home game Game 1, recognizing the form and setting aside Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita.
Broncos teen sensation Selwyn Cobbo will make his band debut after just 19 LNR games. Meanwhile, six Cowboys players were rewarded with the club’s impressive rise, with cult hero Reuben Cotter earning a starting spot.
While Tino Fa’asuamaleaui kept his place, his teammates in the Titans Fifita and Mo Fotuaika were not so lucky. Fifita’s omission will be the big topic of conversation, with the star, with $ 1.2 million per season, will be lost after a less than stellar start to the season.
After his starring performance in last year’s Queensland Game III victory, Ben Hunt will wear the No. 9 jersey, beating Harry Grant.
The Cowboys have three stars in the starting 17, with Cotter joining Jeremiah Nanai and Valentine Holmes, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Tualagi and Tom Dearden were named to the extended team.
Play all matches of each round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership season live and without advertising during the game in Kayo. Are we in Kayo? Try 14 days free now.
Tallis: It’s a bit selfish for Payne 02:32
“I will do my best, as I always do. I will not disappoint anyone,” Cobbo said on Friday, ahead of his scheduled call.
“Earlier this year I scored a couple of goals.
“I wanted to do the All Stars and I got it. I also wrote that I wanted to play for the Maroons.
“I won’t lie, I’ll be very scared, but I’ll be willing to do it.”
With Cobbo and Xavier Coates in the band, the Maroons have already forced NSW into a surprise selection move, with Josh Addo-Carr giving way to Daniel Tupou in the Blues setup.
QUEENSLAND MAROONS GAME AND SQUAD
1. Kalyn Ponga – Knights of Newcastle
2. Selwyn Cobbo – Brisbane Broncos
3. Valentine Holmes – North Queensland Cowboys
4. Dane Gagai – Knights of Newcastle
5. Xavier Coates – Melbourne Storm
6. Cameron Munster – Melbourne Storm
7. Daly Cherry-Evans – Manly Sea Eagles
8. Gold Coast Titans – Gold Coast Titans
9. Ben Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Josh Papalii – Canberra Raiders
11. Kurt Capewell – Brisbane Broncos
12. Felise Kaufusi – Melbourne Storm
13. Reuben Cotter – North Queensland Cowboys
14. Harry Grant – Melbourne Storm
15. Lindsay Collins – Sydney Roosters
16. Patrick Carrigan – Brisbane Broncos
17. Jeremiah Nanai – North Queensland Cowboys
18. Tom Dearden – North Queensland Cowboys
19. Jai Arrow – Rabbitohs of South Sydney
20. Thomas Flegler – Brisbane Broncos
21. Hamiso Tabuai -Fidow – North Queensland Cowboys
22. Murray Taulagi – North Queensland Cowboys
MORE ORIGINAL NEWS
NSW CONFIRMED: Brad Fittler picks SIX players without a chapter on a 22-man team
WINNERS AND LOSERS: The “tough” call the headlines; Bronco’s “exceptional” ascent
Get all the latest NRL news, insights, and analysis straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now !!