Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has doubled down on his decision not to add David Fifita to his squad for next Wednesday’s State of Origin decider in Brisbane, while also explaining his decision to drop Jaydn Su’A for game three.
Slater was forced to make several changes ahead of Origin III with injuries striking his squad.
In a backline reshuffle, Kalyn Ponga was recalled after he successfully returned from a foot injury to star in the Knights’ 16-12 win over the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
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Billy Slater addressed his decision not to add David Fifita to his Maroons squad for the State of Origin decider in Brisbane. Nine
Despite calls to include Fifita, Slater retained Kurt Capewell — starting the Warriors veteran in the back row — while axing Dragons gun Su’A.
Fronting the media on Monday morning, Slater had full confidence in the group that had been selected.
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He explained that not everyone can fit on the team and on this occasion, there was no place for Fifita.
“Dave was a serious consideration but we feel that the 17 players that have been chosen are the 17 players who have earned the opportunity to be here,” he said.
“All Queenslanders are considered and Dave’s a name that has been in the conversation for all three games.”
Slater said Fifita was playing well for the Gold Coast Titans but was still below the standard at club level that saw him return to the Origin arena during last year’s series.
David Fifita was left out of Billy Slater’s Maroons squad for Origin III. Getty
“He started the season a little bit behind the eight ball with a pec injury, didn’t have a great pre-season and he’s still working back to the standard that he created for himself last year. I’m sure he’d be the first one to admit that,” he said.
“These conversations aren’t just throw-away conversations that we have behind closed doors. This is the 17 that we feel is the best 17 for game three at Suncorp.”
With Dane Gagai also returning to the Maroons’ backline and Selwyn Cobbo being recalled from game one to fill a vacancy on the wing, Slater said Su’A was another player who was “a little bit unlucky” not to feature in the team.
“He’s nursing something as well and getting a scan as we speak on an issue he picked up over the weekend,” Slater said.
Maroons team for Origin III
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Dane Gagai 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Kalyn Ponga. Reserves: 18. Trent Loiero 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Reed Mahoney