The Maroons will not line up 1-17 as originally named in Origin 1 tonight, with Kurt Capewell given a surprise Queensland debut by coach Wayne Bennett.
Capewell was originally listed amongst the reserves when the Origin teams were named last week, but after being handed his first Maroons jersey by state legend – and current assistant coach – Mal Meninga, he will take to the field at the Adelaide Oval.
It is not yet known where Capewell will play, though, with Queensland not announcing who he will be replacing. The final team lists for Origin usually come out at around 7:30pm (AEDT), so we can expect official confirmation then.
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The most likely scenario appears to be a start in the centres, with Brenko Lee limping out of training leading up to the series opener with a calf injury. However, Bennett said the scare was “nothing serious”, so there is a chance the Penrith utility has just been brought onto the bench or into the starting line-up as a tactical change.
Speaking after being handed his jersey, Capewell said his upcoming debut is a dream come true.
“You grow up as a kid watching Origin, every Wednesday that comes around it’s just the buzz is unreal, you go to school wearing your Maroons jersey and it’s all you talk about for weeks,” he said.
“To be presented with the jersey and be able to play for Queensland and represent my state is a dream come true. I hope I can do my family and state proud.”
The Blues are expected to line up 1-17, with James Tedesco overcoming a fitness test this past weekend to start at fullback and nullify the only fitness concern in the matchday squad.
from The Roar https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/11/04/maroons-make-last-minute-selection-switch-for-origin-1/
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