Queensland’s quest to level this year’s State of Origin series could cop an early blow when rookie Jarrod Wallace fights a shoulder charge, charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
Wallace was on Monday named as one of seven changes to the Maroons side for game two, however must overturn a grade one shoulder charge to play in Sydney next Wednesday.
The Gold Coast forward was cited for a no-arms hit on Warriors centre Blake Ayshford, moments before halftime on Saturday.
Wallace will miss two games – one for Queensland and another for the Titans – if found guilty by the judiciary panel at Rugby League Central.
Any suspension for the 25-year-old will force the Maroons, who must win game two to force a series decider back in Brisbane, to rush another forward into camp.
It is the second year in a row preparations for Origin II kicked off with judiciary drama, following Wade Graham’s sensational suspension for a high tackle on Johnathan Thurston last year.
A heartbroken Graham was found guilty, but eventually made his Blues debut in game three.
Queensland Rugby League boss Bruce Hatcher admitted the state could have explored the same loophole for Hess that infamously allowed Lote Tuqiri to play in 2002.
The Maroons infamously named a ‘TBA’ in game two 15 years ago, allowing Tuqiri to serve his one-game ban for Brisbane before being called into the Queensland side.
It is understood however, that both states have since agreed not to use the loophole.
“Some of you will be aware that there’s a previous loophole in the rules that would enable Queensland Rugby League to opt out of the Jarrod Wallace situation where he could serve his term if we opted for that,” Hatcher said on Monday.
“We will not be using that rule but Queensland Rugby League will put all its resources behind having Jarrod Wallace proving his innocence.”