LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Queensland coach Billy Slater has made a bold move ahead of the State of Origin series opener, swinging the selection axe and dropping a bombshell on the Queensland Maroons team.
In a sensational decision, incumbent back-rower David Fifita has been left out of the squad despite playing in all three games of the 2023 series.
Despite his standout performance in the Gold Coast Titans' upset win over the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Fifita has been replaced by Jeremiah Nanai and Jaydn Su'A in the starting back-row, with Harry Grant, Hopgood, Mo Fotuaika, and Selwyn Cobbo claiming the bench spots.
To add insult to injury, Fifita didn't even make the extended squad, with Felise Kaufusi, Brendan Piakura, and Ezra Mam edging him out of the 18th, 19th, and 20th spots.
Slater's ruthless decision has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, with many questioning the coach's strategy as he prepares his team for the upcoming battle on the field.
Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off for the Maroons, as they gear up to face their fierce rivals in the State of Origin series.
The pressure is on for the new-look Queensland team to deliver a strong performance and show that they have what it takes to come out on top in this intense sporting rivalry.