LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Andrew Johns has suggested that Queensland coach Billy Slater should reach out to Josh Papali'i to reconsider his retirement from representative football for State of Origin Game 2.
Slater has committed to "consider everyone" when selecting his team, particularly after the struggle of his forward pack in recent games against New South Wales.
Queensland's forwards, including Mo Fotuaika, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, and Trent Loiero, were unable to make a significant impact, and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui also faced challenges in establishing dominance.
To bolster the forward line, suggestions have been made for Corey Horsburgh's inclusion in Game 2.
However, Johns believes that Papali'i, who recently retired from representative play, could also be a viable option due to his impressive performance on Sunday against the Roosters, where he ran for 112 metres from 13 carries and recorded 17 tackles with only one miss.
During discussions on the Sunday Footy Show, Johns voiced, "Everyone's in consideration.
You've got to consider everyone available." Slater echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the complexity of the selection process, stating, "But when you're throwing names up ...
you've got to take people out, too." He highlighted the importance of evaluating who might be replaced and determining if they are the best fit for the position.
As Slater navigates the challenges of team selection, the call for Papali'i's return has sparked interest among fans and analysts alike, complicating the decisions ahead of the crucial Game 2.