Queensland Maroons State of Origin team list for Game II announced, Reece Walsh picked, Selwyn Cobbo misses out
Ben Hunt (right) and Tom Dearden have been selected again for Queensland, as the Maroons look to wrap up the series in Melbourne. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)
Reece Walsh has been selected at fullback for Queensland in the second State of Origin match, despite not playing since he was knocked-out by a high tackle in the opening game of the series.
The 21-year-old has undergone all required protocols while back with club side Brisbane after his mandatory 11-day standdown, in which he missed NRL clashes with Cronulla and South Sydney.
As long as he passes final tests in camp, Walsh will take the field against NSW at the MCG on June 26.
"I have been talking to Reece over the last week and he has been ticking all the boxes and being really professional away from playing," Maroons coach Billy Slater told the Nine Network on Sunday.
Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi, 18th man in Game I, comes onto the bench while Warriors back-rower Kurt Capewell, who can also play centre, earns a Maroons recall on the bench.
Parramatta lock J'maine Hopgood, who made his Origin debut in Sydney, missed selection with a back injury after he was unavailable for the NRL match against Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
Brisbane outside back Selwyn Cobbo, who starred in Sydney, has been left out of the squad.
The 22-year-old played for the Broncos in the 22-12 loss to South Sydney on Friday night.
"Selwyn's just not quite 100 per cent at the moment. He's been playing with injections … we just thought it was best for Selwyn to have a rest," Slater said on Monday.
Capewell will fill the utility role which Cobbo had for Game I.
Slater was full of praise for the Warriors forward, who last played for the Maroons in 2022.
"He's got great versatility in his game, he's never let Queensland down," Slater said.
"He was playing extremely well before he hurt his calf a month ago."
Veteran Dane Gagai has been brought in as the 18th man.
The extended squad also includes young forwards Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero, who will join camp for the first time when the squad assembles in Brisbane today.
Full Maroons Origin II team list
Reece Walsh – Brisbane Broncos
Xavier Coates – Melbourne Storm
Valentine Holmes – North Qld Cowboys
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – The Dolphins
Murray Taulagi – North Qld Cowboys
Tom Dearden – North Qld Cowboys
Daly Cherry-Evans (c) – Manly Sea Eagles
Reuben Cotter – North Qld Cowboys
Ben Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons
Lindsay Collins – Sydney Roosters
Jaydn Su'A – St George Illawarra Dragons
Jeremiah Nanai – North Qld Cowboys
Patrick Carrigan – Brisbane Broncos
Harry Grant – Melbourne Storm
Moeaki Fotuaika – Gold Coast Titans
Felise Kaufusi – The Dolphins
Kurt Capewell – New Zealand Warriors
Dane Gagai – Newcastle Knights
Heilum Luki – North Qld Cowboys
Trent Loiero – Melbourne Storm
AAP/ABC