‘Bullied’ Maroons under pressure to recall David Fifita for State of Origin decider

The pressure is on Billy Slater to recall David Fifita after Queensland’s forwards were brutally mauled by the NSW pack in Game Two.

Billy Slater has lauded David Fifita for playing “great footy’’ as pressure mounts to give the back-row enigma a State of Origin recall.

Fifita was a surprise omission from Queensland’s first Origin game this season but the move was considered justified when the Maroons romped to a 38-10 victory.

But the pressure on State of Origin coach Slater to recall Fifita is back after Queensland were walloped 38-18 in the second game in Melbourne, with their forward brutally mauled by the NSW pack.

The push is on for more size, punch and creativity in the forwards and Slater lauded Fifita’s form as he mulls over selections for the series decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.

“David Fifita has been in the conversation for every Origin game (including) the first one,’’ Slater said on Channel 9.

“He had a bit of a chequered start to the season with a pec (pectoral muscle tear in December). He has been playing some great footy and those conversations will happen next Sunday.’’

There has been a feeling that Fifita is not a classical Slater style player in that his workrate, particularly in defence, does not match some rivals for the same spot.

But Fifita’s class and creativity can never be underestimated and his 72 tackles busts this season are the eighth highest in the NRL.

Former State of Origin forwards Scott Sattler has been one of several former players to call for Fifita’s recall.

“We are lacking that real size, aggression and punch without Tom Flegler and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui so I’m going to be one of many that throw it up there, and Billy knows better than all of us, but I think the size, speed and potential X-factor of David Fifita has got to be taken into consideration for game three,’’ Sattler told SEN.

Will David Fifita suit up for Queensland in Game III? Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I have never seen Queensland bullied and intimidated as much as we were that first half. No excuses, we came out of the blocks OK but just sheer size dominated us. Angus Crichton just bullied everybody, Val Holmes got rag-dolled all night and Reece Walsh was like a deer in headlights at times.

“There is a lot that needs to be discussed around the selection table, not so much if there are any changes but I think the bench really needs to be looked at in some way, maybe one or two there ... the big concern for Billy is how we got bullied and couldn’t match the intensity.”

Originally published as ‘Bullied’ Maroons under pressure to recall David Fifita for State of Origin decider