Queensland Maroons’ player Harry Grant has playfully sidestepped questions regarding potential changes to the team’s line-up before their State of Origin match on Wednesday night. His playful hesitation sparked laughter among the panelists of Nine’s 100% Footy show.
In a bold strategy shift for Game 2, the Maroons have made significant alterations, dropping captain Daly Cherry-Evans and backrower Beau Fermor. Tom Dearden steps in for Cherry-Evans at halfback, while his halves partner, Cameron Munster, takes over the captaincy.
Kurt Capewell has been brought back into the side as Fermor’s replacement, earning a starting spot in the back row—a decision that has raised eyebrows and speculation regarding the final team composition. Notably, coach Billy Slater announced the 17-man squad last Tuesday, including big-name forwards Patrick Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai, who have been relegated to the bench. Many fans express doubt about whether the initial line-up will remain unchanged by kick-off.
Kurt Mann is set to make his Origin debut in the No. 14 role, stepping in as bench utility. While Corey Horsburgh was named in the squad, he will not play, allowing underperforming front-rower Moeaki Fotuaika to stay in the starting line-up.
The drastic changes have fuelled speculation about Slater’s strategy, with Grant’s noncommittal response regarding the starting players providing more fodder for discussions. As he struggled to maintain composure while denying adjustments, fellow players like Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen found the moment humorous. Grant confirmed, “It will stay as named at this stage,” but cheekily added uncertainty about any last-minute changes.
Critics, including Phil Gould, questioned Slater’s decisions, suggesting that mental readiness, rather than mere personnel changes, is what the team needs to rectify the issues faced in their previous match. Gould expressed doubts about the integrity of the starting line-up, hinting that the Maroons may simply be keeping their strategies under wraps.
He also raised concerns regarding Capewell’s return to the starting lineup, pondering the rationale behind his positioning and performance given recent team dynamics. Gould argued that alternate players, such as Mann or Cotter, could offer more effective solutions at hooker than Grant, who often finds success when entering the game later.
In a high-stakes environment, the decisions made now could be crucial for both individual players and the team’s fate in the series. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as fans and pundits await the final call on the line-up.