Selwyn Cobbo out, Reece Walsh in as Billy Slater confirms Origin II team

Selwyn Cobbo has missed selection in Billy Slater’s Queensland team for Origin II, with Kurt Capewell winning a Maroons recall. Check out what Slater had to say on the team changes.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Selwyn Cobbo trains during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin Captain's Run at Accor Stadium on June 04, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Queensland coach Billy Slater says Selwyn Cobbo has been playing with pain-killing injections and needs a break from football after his shock omission for Origin II on Wednesday week.

Slater addressed speculation Cobbo was struggling mentally and physically after two poor games for the Broncos following his sensational super-sub role for Queensland in their 38-10 win in Origin I.

Former Bronco Kurt Capewell will replace Cobbo on the bench for Origin II at the MCG, with Slater insisting it was the right call to relegate the Maroons young gun, who is feeling the rigours of a brutal NRL season.

“Selwyn is not quite 100 per cent at the moment,” Slater said.

“He has been playing with injections and that sort of stuff.

“Collectively, with a few things he would like to work on in his game, we felt it was best for Selwyn to have a rest.

“The Broncos have got the bye this week and I’m pretty sure if the Broncos were playing, Selwyn wouldn’t be playing for the Broncos.

“I just felt it was the best thing for him personally and the best thing for the team.”

Selwyn Cobbo has missed selection for the Maroons. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

When Reece Walsh was concussed in Origin I, Cobbo came off the bench and ignited Queensland with a powerhouse performance, having a hand in two early tries to stun the Blues at Accor Stadium.

Since then, Cobbo was mediocre in Brisbane’s home loss to the Sharks, conceding a try out wide, before making four handling errors in the Broncos’ 22-12 defeat by Souths last Friday night.

There were suggestions Cobbo withdrew for personal reasons but Slater said he had a “lengthy” chat with the Broncos ace to outline the reasons for his demotion.

“It’s collective, there’s a few things,” Slater said.

“Selwyn has just turned 22 and we forget these guys are young and still developing physically and still developing their game and building that consistency.

“It’s not one-size-fits all, I felt it was the right thing for Selwyn to have a break and he will wear a Maroons jersey again.

“I have a great relationship with Selwyn.

“I had a lengthy and deep discussion with him yesterday.

“We are all on the same page.”

The Queensland team for State of Origin Game Two.

In the only other change for Queensland, J’maine Hopgood is out with a back injury, opening the door for 32-year-old veteran Dolphins hitman Felise Kaufusi on the bench.

Without Cobbo, Slater backed Capewell to be Queensland’s Mr Fixit in a triumphant return for the Warriors recruit after he was axed for last year’s series.

Traditionally a back-rower, Capewell played two Origin games at centre in the Covid-affected 2020 campaign and was inspirational in Queensland’s epic 2-1 series win.

“Kurt has great versatility, he has never let Queensland down,” Slater said.

“He was playing extremely well before he hurt his calf and I love the actions and habits in his game.

“He has had two games back (from injury), he is nice and healthy and I’m looking forward to him coming back in a jersey.”

Walsh’s 11-day stand-down period ended on Sunday and Slater confirmed the Maroons fullback will be a certain starter, insisting centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was never an option for the No.1 jumper.

“Reece has got clearance, he is good,” he said.

“Reece is Queensland’s fullback. ‘Hammer’ is Queensland’s centre. I saw a fair bit of form in Reece’s preparation (before Game One) and I am looking forward to him going after his game.”

The Blues have made five changes, including recalling Queensland bogeyman Latrell Mitchell, but Slater has no interest in NSW selection politics as he targets a hat-trick of Origin titles.

“They have great players, we are not disrespectful to that or them as a collective,” he said of the Blues.

“We won’t disrespect our game either, that’s our priority. They are a dangerous team with good players. We will be aware of what they bring as football players. That’s an argument for someone else.

“My focus and energy goes to our preparation. Everyone has their job and will do their job. My job is to help the players be at their best for 80 minutes at the MCG.”