Billy Slater has made one of the biggest calls of his coaching career by dumping Broncos superstar Reece Walsh and handing Sam Walker a shock State of Origin debut.
Walker will wear Queensland’s famous No.7 jersey in Game One after beating out Kalyn Ponga for the halfback role following Tom Dearden’s injury setback.
The Roosters playmaker has been compared to Maroons legend Allan Langer, with Wayne Bennett declaring Walker is the closest player he has seen to the Queensland icon.
Walsh paid the price for Brisbane’s heavy loss to the Warriors on Sunday, with Slater overlooking the electrifying fullback entirely for his initial squad.
Queensland will field a fresh-look side featuring several debutants, including Dolphins lock Max Plath and Titans winger Jojo Fifita.
Ponga reclaimed the Maroons fullback jersey after making it clear he was willing to play anywhere for Queensland, despite admitting the No.1 role remains his preferred position.
Queensland Maroons squad for State of Origin I at Accor Stadium:
- Kalyn Ponga
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Robert Toia
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Jojo Fifita
- Cam Munster
- Sam Walker
- Tom Flegler
- Harry Grant
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
- Reuben Cotter
- Kurt Capewell
- Max Plath
Interchange:
- Briton Nikora
- Lindsay Collins
- Pat Carrigan
- Trent Loiero
Reserves:
- Ezra Mam
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
