Superstar fullback Reece Walsh will return for the Maroons in Game Two of the Ampol State of Origin series as Queensland coach Billy Slater unveiled his team for the clash in Melbourne on June 26.
Walsh has not played at club level under concussion protocols following his head knock in Game One as a result of Joseph Sua’ali’i’s careless high tackle, but will be right to go for the Maroons after sitting out the past two weeks.
His inclusion at fullback is a key one for the Maroons, who will be without Selwyn Cobbo for Game Two. Cobbo played 73 minutes in the backline after coming off the bench in Game One, but will miss the clash in Melbourne with Kurt Capewell returning to the side instead as a bench utility.
J’maine Hopgood is also out with a back injury that kept him out of the Eels’ clash against the Roosters on Saturday, with veteran forward Felise Kaufusi set for his 16th Origin appearance after being named on the bench.
Dane Gagai – who played 22 games for the Maroons between 2015 and 2022 – has earned a return to the representative arena as 18th Man while Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero have been named in the extended squad as reserves.