The Queensland Maroons are set to make some bold changes to their team for Origin I, with a fresh look and feel that could shake up the defending champions. With injuries and form fluctuations, the team selection is a hot topic, and I'm here to give you my take on who will be donning the Maroon jersey this year.
Fullback
In my opinion, the fullback position is a real battle royale. The return of Reece Walsh from injury is a game-changer, and his red-hot form in the 2025 finals and Ashes series makes him the favorite to take the No.1 jersey. However, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, a versatile player who can also play in the centres and on the wing, is a strong contender. He's a reliable choice, but his lack of experience at fullback might be a concern. Ponga, a star in the making, is also in the mix, having impressed with his display against the Rabbitohs. I predict Walsh will take the starting spot, with Tabuai-Fidow as backup.
Wingers
The winger positions are a bit of a wild card. Xavier Coates, a seasoned pro, is expected to return in Round 12, but his absence has left a gap. Valentine Holmes, a struggling Dragon, is out of form, which could open the door for Selwyn Cobbo, a strong contender who has impressed for the Dolphins. I think Tabuai-Fidow will shift to the wing, where he has a proven track record. Cobbo will be his partner, bringing fresh energy to the team.
Centres
The centres are a bit of a puzzle. Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki, stars last season, have had slow starts. Shibasaki, returning from injury, needs time to regain his form. Jack Howarth, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, and AJ Brimson are in the mix, but injuries could crack the starting team. I predict Toia will hold onto his spot, with Shibasaki as backup, and Holmes and Gagai as bench players.
Halfback
Tom Dearden, a solid player for the Cowboys, is a lock for the starting spot. His heroics in the 2025 series, including the Wally Lewis Medal, make him a key player. Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker, both struggling, are contenders for the bench. I think Dearden will start, with Walker and Cherry-Evans as backups.
Forwards
The forwards are a mix of experience and fresh talent. Josh Papalii, a veteran, is unlikely to return, opening a spot. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, a lock, is a sure bet, but his partner is up for grabs. Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, and Moeaki Fotuaika are seasoned players, while Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo, now eligible, add depth. I predict Fa'asuamaleaui will start, with Taumalolo as backup, and Flegler and Kaufusi on the bench.
Hooker
Harry Grant, a solid player for the Storm, is the incumbent and a lock for the starting spot. Ben Hunt, injured, and Kurt Mann, struggling, are out of the picture. Reed Mahoney, in good form for the Cowboys, is a strong contender for the bench. I think Grant will start, with Mahoney as backup.
Second-rowers
Reuben Cotter, a strong player, is likely to hold onto his spot, despite injuries to contenders. Briton Nikora, now eligible, is a rising star who could start if he finds consistency. Jeremiah Nanai, out with a shoulder injury, is ruled out. I predict Cotter will start, with Nikora as backup, and Nanai on the bench.
Lock
Trent Loiero, a solid player, is the incumbent, but Patrick Carrigan, in hot form for the Broncos, is a strong contender. Jason Taumalolo, now eligible, adds depth. I think Carrigan will start, with Taumalolo as backup, and Loiero on the bench.
Bench
The bench is a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Lindsay Collins, a reliable player, is a lock. Max Plath, in red-hot form for the Dolphins, is a utility player and dummy-half backup. Kalyn Ponga, a versatile player, is a certainty as cover. Corey Horsburgh, finding form for the Raiders, is a strong contender. I predict Collins will start, with Plath and Ponga as backups, and Horsburgh on the bench.
In conclusion, the Queensland Maroons team for Origin I is a mix of experience and fresh talent. With injuries and form fluctuations, the selection is a hot topic, but I believe Walsh, Tabuai-Fidow, and Fa'asuamaleaui will be the stars of the show. The team has a mix of proven players and rising stars, making it a formidable side. It will be interesting to see how they perform and whether they can defend their title with a fresh look and feel.
