State of Origin watch: Queensland Maroons team selection news, Jeremiah Nanai set for recall

Maroons coach Billy Slater has made a call on the man to replace injured star Tom Gilbert, with a Queensland veteran set to be overlooked for State of Origin Game II.

Felise Kaufusi, Christian Welch, Mo Fotuaika and Jeremiah Nanai.

Cowboys sensation Jeremiah Nanai has won a recall to the Queensland fold as Dolphins hit man Felise Kaufusi faces being controversially overlooked for Origin II.

News Corp can reveal Nanai has clinched one of the two Maroons vacancies, with the game-breaking back-rower set to replace his former Cowboys teammate Tom Gilbert for the return Origin bout at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

That leaves Kaufusi, Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika, Brisbane’s Kurt Capewell, Canberra ironman Corey Horsburgh, Eels rookie J’maine Hopgood and Christian Welch, 19th man in Origin I, vying for Jai Arrow’s spot.

Arrow, who came off the bench in Origin I, faces two months on the sidelines after undergoing ankle surgery, while starting back-rower Gilbert’s season is over after dislocating his shoulder in the series opener at Adelaide Oval.

Kaufusi was widely regarded as a certainty for this year’s series given his experience as a 14-game Maroons stalwart, only for the Dolphins back-rower to be suspended on the eve of Origin I.

Jeremiah Nanai is set to earn an Origin recall for the Maroons. Picture: NRL Photos.

Kaufusi’s three-game suspension will end following the Dolphins Round 15 clash against the Sea Eagles and he was viewed as the frontrunner to replace Gilbert for Origin II.

But Nanai has privately got the nod with Queensland selectors, who have until Tuesday to formally announce the Maroons’ 17-man squad that could wrap up the series with victory over NSW at their Suncorp cauldron.

Nanai’s selection could be viewed as a risk.

The 20-year-old missed Origin I after serving a four-game suspension and only returned against Melbourne last week, playing 53 minutes off the bench in the Cowboys’ 45-20 victory.

But Queensland coach Billy Slater is prepared to back Nanai’s natural talent over his lack of match fitness to fill the Gilbert void.

Nanai was outstanding in his maiden Origin campaign last season, playing a key role in the Maroons’ series victory which propelled him into an Australian debut at the end-of-year World Cup.

The likely omission of Kaufusi would come as a major shock and leave his Queensland Origin career under a cloud considering the former Melbourne premiership winner turns 32 next season.

Felise Kaufusi is set to be overlooked for Origin Game II. Picture: NRL Photos.

Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck is confident Nanai can overcome a lack of conditioning and North Queensland’s erratic form – if chosen by the Maroons for Origin II.

“Jeremiah is a wonderful talent,” Luck said.

“He has only just got back from suspension and we need ‘Miah’ to get some continuity.

“His suspension wasn’t ideal but once Jeremiah gets some match fitness again he will certainly put himself in Origin contention.

“He did well against the Storm and he has to continue to work hard and he will get better as the year goes on.

“Queensland are pretty blessed for forward depth at the moment.

“There’s three or four guys you could pick and Jeremiah is one of those, Billy Slater is a lucky coach at the moment.”

It is understood Nanai could start off the bench. Cowboys teammate Reuben Cotter is an option to slot into the back row, before moving into Queensland’s middle rotation with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins and Tom Flegler when Nanai enters the action.

In-form Titans bookend Fotuaika has been discussed by Maroons selectors, but is an outside hope of replacing Arrow, with Welch, Kaufusi, Hopgood and Horsburgh the more likely contenders.

HARDMAN’S COMPELLING CASE FOR MAROONS RECALL

—Travis Meyn

Titans coach Justin Holbrook reckons Moeaki Fotuaika “can’t play any better” and the Gold Coast hardman insists he won’t let Queensland down if recalled to the State of Origin arena.

Fotuaika has presented a compelling case for a Maroons recall in Wednesday week’s second game of the State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.

With Game One forwards Tom Gilbert (shoulder) and Jai Arrow (ankle) ruled out for the remainder of the series, Queensland coach Billy Slater is on the hunt for two new forwards as the Maroons look to clinch the series.

Slater is believed to be considering Corey Horsburgh, Felise Kaufusi, Jeremiah Nanai, Christian Welch, Kurt Capewell, J’maine Hopgood and Fotuaika as replacements for Gilbert and Arrow.

Kaufusi and Nanai are the leading contenders for Gilbert’s starting right back-row position, leaving Arrow’s spot on the bench open.

Billy Slater is on the hunt for two new forwards. Picture: Getty Images

It will come down to whether Slater wants an out-and-out front rower on the bench, like Welch or Fotuaika, or a more versatile player like Nanai, Horsburgh or Hopgood.

Raging Raiders forward Horsburgh could have his nose in front for an Origin debut given he can play front and back row.

But few contenders are in better form than Fotuaika, who has been sensational for the Titans in 2023.

Fotuaika, 23, is averaging 137 and 29 tackles a game, many of those rib-rattling hits that make him ideal for State of Origin.

The Logan product made four appearances for the Maroons in the 2020-21 series, suffering three defeats in a tough start to his Origin career.

But now a 113-game NRL prop, Fotuaika believes he is primed to dominate for Queensland if given another opportunity.

“I’d love to get back in that arena, if I get the call I will do my job,” he said.

Moeaki Fotuaika has been in superb form for the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

“I definitely feel I’m a lot better player than the last time I played Origin. I know a lot more about the game and how to play my role better now.

“I’ve played over 100 games now and I know what works for me during the week with my routine.

“I’ve got that bit of experience now. I had to stand up because I’m one of the older guys in the forwards now.”

The Maroons were thumped 34-10 in Fotuaika’s debut in Game Two of the 2020 series and he didn’t play in Queensland’s epic decider win. He was smashed 50-6 in the 2021 series opener and 26-0 at Suncorp Stadium three weeks later.

His only win in Queensland colours came in the 2021 dead-rubber and Fotuaika would love the chance to taste more Origin success.

“In that 2021 season, we had a big loss in Townsville then lost again at Suncorp,” he said.

Mo Fotuaika is pushing for a Maroons recall. Picture: NRL Photos

“It wasn’t a good position for the state, but with what the boys have done last year and the first game this year is really good for the state.

“It’s good to see the boys get the first win at Adelaide, I was cheering at home. It’s good to see Queensland is in a good position.

“If I get the opportunity I’ll do my best for the state.”

Titans captain and Queensland starting prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has had a first-hand look at Fotuaika’s form this season.

Fa’asuamaleaui escaped suspension for Thursday night’s incident which left Tigers hooker Api Koroisau with a broken jaw and said he’d love to see Fotuaika back in Maroon.

“He’s been our best player nearly every week,” he said.

“There’s been some injuries and I’m happy his name’s been tossed up because it hasn’t been too much in the media.

“He’s a guy that does all the little stuff, works hard and goes unnoticed. I’m hoping he does get picked in the team. He fills space and puts big tackles on. He’s taking tough carries no-one wants to take.

“I’m so glad I get to play with him because he’s the type of player everyone wants to play with. I’m hoping he is in contention for Origin.”

Slater is planning to name his Game Two team on Monday afternoon.