QLD Team Announced for State of Origin Game I – Four Pointer News Summary:

- Kalyn Ponga will wear the No.1 jersey for Queensland in Origin One, with Reece Walsh overlooked.

- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifts to the centres, as part of a reshuffled Maroons backline.

- Jojo Fifita, Sam Walker, Max Plath and Briton Nikora named as four debutants by coach Billy Slater.

- Queensland forced into changes with Coates, Papalii, Nanai and Dearden all sidelined through injury.

Ponga Locks in the No.1 Jersey

Speculation had been running hot that Ponga would slide into the halves alongside Cameron Munster following Tom Dearden's ankle injury, but Slater has opted to keep the Knights skipper in his preferred role at the back. 

It's familiar territory for Ponga, who has worn the No.1 jersey in eight of his 10 Origin appearances for Queensland.

Ponga started last year's series at fullback before a foot complaint ruled him out of Game Three, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow stepping up to claim the jumper in the decider. 

This time around, Tabuai-Fidow shifts to the centres, where he's done plenty of damage – racking up 11 tries from 10 Origin matches.

Kangaroos custodian Reece Walsh has been the high-profile omission, with Slater backing experience and versatility over the Broncos flyer.

Four Debutants Get the Call

Queensland's injury crisis has opened the door for fresh blood. Winger Xavier Coates (Achilles), prop Josh Papalii (calf), back-rower Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) and halfback Dearden (ankle) are all unavailable, paving the way for four new Maroons.

Sam Walker (Roosters) – Steers the Tricolours at halfback and graduates from the 2025 Prime Minister's XIII into the Origin arena.

Max Plath (Dolphins) – Goes one better than father John, a four-time Broncos premiership winner who never wore the Maroons jumper.

Briton Nikora (Sharks) – The 16-Test Kiwi is now Queensland-eligible under the new Origin rules after relocating to the Gold Coast at age nine and attending Keebra Park High School.

Jojo Fifita (Titans) – Brings five tries, 24 tackle busts and five line breaks from his 10 games this season at centre.

Slater Backs Familiar Faces

Fourteen players from Queensland's victorious 2025 series have been retained as the Maroons chase back-to-back shields. 

Knights coach Justin Holbrook said earlier in the week that Ponga had to be on the field regardless of position.

"He's too good a player not to have on the field … I wouldn't have him at 14, you want your best players on the field," Holbrook said.

"He's one of the best players, so you have got to have him on the field. Kalyn, you could put him anywhere and he'd get himself into the game."

With Origin One looming, head to Sportsbet for the latest State of Origin odds, first try scorer markets and series betting as Queensland look to defend the shield.

QLD Maroons Game I Team List:

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Robert Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Jojo Fifita

6. Cameron Munster (c)

7. Sam Walker

8. Tom Flegler

9. Harry Grant

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

11. Reuben Cotter 

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Max Plath

14. Briton Nikora

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Pat Carrigan

17. Trent Loiero

18. Ezra Mam

19. Gehamat Shibasaki

20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki