QLD Make Five Changes for State of Origin Game 2 – Four Pointer News Summary: 

- Billy Slater has made five changes to the Queensland Maroons squad for State of Origin Game II, with Reece Walsh earning a shock recall to the six-man bench.

- Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuaki is set to make his Origin debut, replacing the injured Pat Carrigan, while Ezra Mam has been dropped from the extended bench.

- Briton Nikora has been promoted into the run-on side at back-row, with Reuben Cotter shifting to lock and Max Plath moving back to the bench.

- Cowboys edge forward Heilum Luki has been rewarded for his red-hot club form with a 20th-man call-up, while Murray Taulagi replaces the injured Gehamat Shibasaki.

Walsh Recall Headlines Maroons Reshuffle

The biggest talking point from Slater’s team selection is the surprise inclusion of Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on the six-man bench. 

Walsh’s NRL form has been patchy in recent weeks, but the coaching staff are clearly banking on his x-factor to make an impact against a fatigued Blues forward pack in the back end of the contest.

His recall comes at the expense of Broncos teammate Ezra Mam, who has been axed from the extended bench. 

It’s a bold call from Slater, but one that gives Queensland a genuine game-breaking option to unleash late in the match if the series is still in the balance.

Finefeuaki Set for Origin Debut

With Pat Carrigan ruled out due to an ankle injury, Dolphins prop Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been promoted into the 17. 

The 22-year-old, who was the 20th man for Game I, is poised to earn his maiden Maroons jumper and adds plenty of size and mobility to the bench rotation.

Murray Taulagi has also been drafted in to replace the knee-injured Gehamat Shibasaki on the six-man bench. 

Given Taulagi’s flawless record across six previous appearances for Queensland, don’t be surprised to see the Cowboys flyer get a late promotion ahead of Jojo Fifita in the run-on side.

Pack Reshuffle as Nikora Earns Start

Slater has also tinkered with the forward structure. Sharks star Briton Nikora has been elevated from the bench to start in the back-row, pushing Reuben Cotter into the lock forward role and shifting Max Plath back to the interchange. 

The reshuffle gives Queensland more grunt up the middle while keeping Plath’s utility value in reserve.

Cowboys edge forward Heilum Luki rounds out the changes, named as the 20th man after a stellar run of club form. He’ll join the Maroons in camp for the week before dropping off the matchday 17.

QLD Maroons Game 2 Team List:

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Robert Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Jojo Fifita

6. Cameron Munster

7. Sam Walker

8. Thomas Flegler

9. Harry Grant

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. Briton Nikora

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Max Plath

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

17. Trent Loiero

18. Reece Walsh

19. Murray Taulagi

20. Heilum Luki