Queensland have undergone the biggest team upheaval in 15 years after making seven changes for next week’s must-win State of Origin game two in Sydney.
The Origin future of veterans Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman is up in the air after they were dumped along with Aidan Guerra, unlucky winger Corey Oates, injured five-eighth Anthony Milford and centre Justin O’Neill.
Four debutants have been named – winger Valentine Holmes and forwards Tim Glasby, Coen Hess and Jarrod Wallace.
The last time Queensland made six or seven changes to their 17 was way back in Game II, 2002.
But selectors have wielded the axe after the Maroons’ 28-4 game one loss in Brisbane – their biggest Origin defeat at Suncorp Stadium.
Fullback Billy Slater has been named to make his return in the clash at ANZ Stadium on June 21 along with champion five-eighth Johnathan Thurston, who missed the opener due to a shoulder injury.
“We didn’t get the result that we needed to have,” Queensland coach Kevin Walters said.
“We went to plan B, which was always in our plans, to bring some new players in.
“The transition period for Queensland is right now.
“It’s not next year, or the year after.
“We just picked 17 players who we feel are the best 17 for Queensland.”
Queensland took the unusual step of only naming their 17-man team alphabetically, but Darius Boyd is expected to move to left wing in place of Oates to make way for Slater at the back.
Cronulla’s Holmes seems set to debut on the right wing, with Dane Gagai moving to centre in place of O’Neill.
In the forwards, North Queensland youngster Hess will make his debut while Cowboys teammate Gavin Cooper returns to the Origin arena at the age of 31.
The biggest bolter is Melbourne prop Glasby while Gold Coast front rower Wallace has also been called up to debut after being 18th man in game one.
Wallace must beat a shoulder charge citing at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night if he is to play, as he otherwise faces a two-match ban.
“It’s no secret we got beat up through the middle, our forwards didn’t aim up, so we’ve made some changes there,” Walters said.
“We feel if our players can stand up in that area we have the class around those guys to get the result for Queensland.”
Walters was encouraged by Thurston’s remarkable return from a shoulder injury in North Queensland’s 32-8 NRL win over Parramatta on the weekend.
“It was great to get a game under his belt,” Walters said.
“It just makes his preparation a bit easier.
“He was a bit rusty but had some nice touches for the Cowboys.
“It would be great to have him back in the side.
“Just his aura. He is the best five-eighth in the game.”
Likely Queensland team: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers, Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Dylan Napa, Cameron Smith (capt), Josh Papalii, Gavin Cooper, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess, Jarrod Wallace.
