David Fifita’s continued absence from the Queensland squad has again raised eyebrows and the explanation from head coach Billy Slater simply isn’t adding up.
The 24-year-old was left out of Slater’s side for the Origin opener to the surprise of many, but it proved to be a fair call as the Maroons produced a convincing win.
Heading into game two, J’maine Hopgood and Selwyn Cobbo both came out of the side, which seemingly could have opened the door for Fifita to earn a recall.
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Instead, the selectors opted to go with the experienced duo of Kurt Capewell and Felise Kaufusi and the Maroons were blown off the park in a 38-18 defeat.
Kurt Capewell in Maroons camp before game two. Getty
In that loss, Capewell played less than half the match, while Kaufusi managed just 10 minutes on the field as NSW dominated the contest.
Given their lack of game time and Queensland’s performance, it appeared that Fifita’s recall would simply be a formality, especially after news filtered through that Dragons back-rower Jaydn Su’A would be dropped for the decider.
Slater however opted to promote Capewell to the starting lineup and keep Kaufusi on the bench, with the addition of Kalyn Ponga to the interchange ensuring that Fifita would be left in the Origin wilderness for a third-straight game.
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Speaking to the media on Monday morning, Slater doubled down on his assessment that Fifita had not reciprocated the form that earned him a Queensland jumper last year.
“He started the season a little bit behind the eight ball with a pec injury and he didn’t have a great pre-season,” Slater said
“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.”
There’s one problem for Slater and the Maroons messaging; it is statistically inaccurate.
David Fifita in action for Queensland in 2023. Getty
Fifita missed the first two games of the year for the Titans, but since making his return, has been among the side’s best performers on a consistent basis.
In fact, Fifita’s numbers this season have improved on his 2023 efforts in clubland.
Fifita crossed for eight tries, made nine linebreaks, produced 41 offloads and averaged 145 run metres per game across his 22 appearances for Gold Coast last season.
This year, Fifita has averaged 153 run metres per game and has already managed to register 22 offloads, six linebreaks and four tries in almost half the amount of time.
The powerful edge forward has also taken a step forward defensively, operating at 93.27 per cent tackle efficiency, up almost three per cent on his stats last season.
There have been suggestions that Fifita lacks the effort plays and work rate required to make an impact in the Origin arena, but his numbers certainly suggest otherwise – particularly when compared to the players selected in front of him.
David Fifita has been in strong form for the Titans this year. Getty
Capewell averages just 64 run metres per game for the Warriors this year and has failed to score a try in 11 outings, even spending time on the bench for the struggling side.
Kaufusi on the other hand has been used more in the middle for the Dolphins and has become a 45-minute player this year, while Fifita typically plays big minutes in the back-row and produces immense figures on both sides of the ball.
Even incumbent starter Jeremiah Nanai has a lower work rate for the Cowboys than what Fifita has produced for the Titans, but his try-scoring and game-breaking ability made him a no-brainer pick for Maroons selectors Slater, Darren Lockyer and Gene Miles.
The only potential blight on Fifita’s stat sheet this season could be his discipline, but outside of a heated game against the Rabbitohs, he’s been mostly squeaky-clean.
The argument is often made that stats aren’t everything and while that is true, they can’t be completely discounted either.
There is something that doesn’t add up with Fifita’s omission. He’s even helped lead the Titans to a mini-resurgence, with the side winning five of their past eight games.
Slater has talked in circles when it comes to Fifita and the majority of Queensland’s supporters have expressed their disappointment and confusion at the tackle-breaking machine being left out once again, especially with the series on the line.
Billy Slater addressed his decision not to add David Fifita to his Maroons squad for the State of Origin decider in Brisbane. Nine
Is there a personal issue between the coach and star player? Or have the Maroons turned their back on another player who went through a messy contract circus, similar to what Daly Cherry-Evans endured earlier in his career?
Throughout his absence from the representative team, Fifita has remained silent and gone about his business, which could have been a tell-tale sign that he was ready to be called upon for his state with the Origin shield up for grabs.
Those south of the border will be breathing a sigh of relief after Fifita’s name was brushed over by the Queensland selectors. If he was from NSW, the enforcer would have been among the first names on the team sheet.
The proof will be in the pudding when the final siren blows next Wednesday night – but Slater risks the pitchforks coming out if the Maroons lose and Fifita was watching on his couch as he has done for the past two games.