Rookie Warriors superstar Reece Walsh has been confirmed as Queensland's new fullback for State of Origin II.
Walsh, 18, will become the Maroons youngest player in 26 years and their second-least experienced in history on Sunday in Brisbane, a must-win match after Queensland were hammered 50-6 in Origin I. With just seven NRL games to his credit, Walsh trails only Ben Ikin (four games), who also debuted at 18 during the 1995 series.
Walsh has been in scintillating form for New Zealand since switching clubs from Brisbane, scoring four tries and notching eight try assists.
His selection - replacing Valentine Holmes, who shifts to the wing - represents a massive gamble by Queensland. However, the potential pick was raised a month ago on Wide World of Sports by Maroons icon Wally Lewis, with the simple philosophy: 'If you're good enough, you are old enough."
Newcastle's superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga was again unavailable for selection due to injury.
Andrew McCullough won a remarkable return at No.9, where he played three games for Queensland back in 2018. Storm hooker Harry Grant was ruled out with injury. McCullough's Dragons teammate Ben Hunt earned a recall at No.14.
Cowboys prop Francis Molo is set to debut off the bench. North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt and Penrith's Kurt Capewell (centre) were retained despite tough outings in Origin I.
Canberra's Test prop Josh Papali'i is back in the side after missing Origin I through injury, while Coen Hess and Ronaldo Mulitalo were named as extended squad members.
Queensland Maroons squad
1. Reece Walsh - New Zealand Warriors
2. Valentine Holmes - North Queensland Cowboys
3. Kurt Capewell - Penrith Panthers
4. Dane Gagai - South Sydney Rabbitohs
5. Kyle Feldt - North Queensland Cowboys
6. Cameron Munster - Melbourne Storm
7. Daly Cherry-Evans - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
8. Christian Welch - Melbourne Storm
9. Andrew McCullough - St George Illawarra Dragons
10. Josh Papalii - Canberra Raiders
11. Jai Arrow - South Sydney Rabbitohs
12. Felise Kaufusi - Melbourne Storm
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - Gold Coast Titans
14. Ben Hunt - St George Illawarra Dragons
15. Moeaki Fotuaika - Gold Coast Titans
16. David Fifita - Gold Coast Titans
17. Francis Molo - North Queensland Cowboys
18. Coen Hess - North Queensland Cowboys
19. Ronaldo Mulitalo - Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Coach: Paul Green
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin-queensland-team-game-two-2021-series-reece-walsh/108ce0cd-301b-4109-9269-495f0c717544
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