Queensland’s coach, Billy Slater, has implemented a surprising revamp to the squad ahead of the State of Origin decider. Due to Kalyn Ponga’s injury, the backline has undergone significant changes, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow stepping into the fullback role, Val Holmes moving to the wing, and Gehamat Shibasaki making his debut at centre.
Shibasaki, 27, has had a varied career, playing for the Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, and South Sydney Rabbitohs, along with a stint in Japanese rugby. This year, he returned to the Broncos, where he quickly earned a starting position despite having just 45 NRL games under his belt over eight years and four teams. He had been playing in the reserve grade last season and secured a new contract with the Broncos on a modest train-and-trial deal of $1000 a week.
In his debut, Shibasaki will likely face the formidable Stephen Crichton from the Blues, who is often hailed as the top centre in the league. In a surprising performance against the Bulldogs earlier this season, Shibasaki managed to keep Crichton scoreless while scoring a try himself, showcasing his potential ahead of the crucial match.
Additionally, Queensland prop Josh Papali’i has received an unexpected recall after having previously retired from Origin duties. The 33-year-old, who has 22 Origin caps, last played in 2022 and has been selected over his Canberra teammate, Corey Horsburgh, who has been overlooked again. Mo Fotuaika has been dropped from the team, with Reece Walsh named as 18th man. Walsh was anticipated to fill in for the injured Ponga, but concerns regarding his fitness led to the decision to keep him on the bench.
The Maroons’ lineup for Origin III in Sydney includes the following players:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tom Dearden
8. Josh Papali’i
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Trent Loiero
14. Kurt Mann
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Patrick Carrigan
17. Jeremiah Nanai.
The extended bench features Reece Walsh, Josh Kerr, and J’maine Hopgood, marking a critical moment as Queensland prepares for their decisive battle.