State of Origin 2017: Sam Thaiday hopes he makes the cut for game two

MAROONS veteran Sam Thaiday believes there will be new blood in the Queensland line-up for Origin II, but is hopeful it won’t be at his expense.

MAROONS veteran Sam Thaiday believes there will be new blood in the Queensland line-up for Origin II, but is hopeful it won’t be at his expense.

After Queensland’s disappointing 28-4 loss in last week’s Origin series opener, the calls have been made for coach Kevin Walters to wield the axe, particularly against the forward pack that was dominated by the Blues.

The Maroons pack made just 669m against the rampaging Blues forwards, who ran for 891m in Origin I.

The heat is now on the Queensland forwards to step up for Game Two in Sydney.

And while Thaiday is not one of the players understood to be at threat of being dropped from the side, he is unsure whether he will be there, saying he is simply “hopeful” of a recall.

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Thaiday is hoping to make amends at ANZ Stadium. Photo: Annette Dew

“It’s a terrible position to be in if you’re the coach or if you’re a selector,” Thaiday said of the possibility of changes to the team.

“There’s a lot of outside pressure on those things.

“Hopefully I am part of Game Two so I can sit down and assess and I can see how I actually did go.”

But despite his own hopes of retaining his jumper for the clash, Thaiday expects to see new faces included in the line-up.

The Broncos forward said the introduction of Dylan Napa and Anthony Milford in Origin I was a success for Queensland and could become a trend for the final two games.

Thaiday has backed the now boys like Dylan Napa. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“They went out there and played a fantastic role for the Queensland team,” Thaiday said of the two debutants.

“I’m sure over the next two games, there may be one or two more younger guys that get called in.

“Jarrod Wallace was a part of the camp for the whole period of time. He’s chomping at the bit to play. I’m sure he’ll be there or thereabouts.

“There’s a couple of young forwards at the Cowboys too, in Coen Hess and Ethan Lowe, that are playing some good footy and are knocking on the door.”