The Queensland Maroons have announced their lineup for Game 2 of the 2026 State of Origin series, featuring three notable changes, one of which is due to injury.
Injuries from last weekend's unexpected defeat of the Brisbane Broncos against the St George Illawarra Dragons have led to the absence of bench forward Patrick Carrigan and back Gehamat Shibasaki.
Additionally, coach Billy Slater has decided to drop Ezra Mam from the bench following his exclusion by Michael Maguire before the Broncos faced the Gold Coast Titans.
Once again, the back seven showcases Kalyn Ponga at fullback, with Selwyn Cobbo and Jojo Fifita on the wings, Robert Toia and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres, and Cameron Munster paired with Sam Walker in the halves, reflecting the lineup from Game 1.
Thomas Flegler and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will reprise their roles as starting props, with Harry Grant as dummy half, though Reuben Cotter has been shifted from the second-row to lock.
Max Plath, who will serve as the back-up dummy half, moves to the bench, while Briton Nikora steps into the second-row alongside veteran Kurt Capewell from the New Zealand Warriors.
Lindsay Collins and Trent Loiero will maintain their bench positions, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki replacing Carrigan despite the different roles they will ultimately play.
Reece Walsh and Murray Taulagi fill the remaining bench spots, meaning Queensland will lack a specialist half on the six-man bench, with Heilum Luki listed as the 20th man.
Walsh was dropped for Origin 1 and is likely to see action in Game 2 only if Queensland requires quick points or faces injuries in the back seven.
Taulagi, a seasoned Origin player, has been dealing with injuries and will only step in if needed due to concerns in the centre or wing positions.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th, in Melbourne.