Former Queensland coach Mal Meninga said the Maroons need younger players to overcome Blues

Queensland is set to make a slew of changes to their team from last year, with a former coach encouraging a changing of the guard if they’re going to trouble the Blues in Game 1 of the series.

Queensland’s State of Origin selectors have Mal Meninga’s “go young’’ plea ringing in their ears as they prepare to replace half the team.

The Maroons starting side for the first State of Origin match on May 28 will have up to seven changes to the team beaten 14-4 by the Blues in the series decider.

That is not as dramatic as it seems because some players like Kalyn Ponga and Tom Gilbert will be returning from injury but there is still a push on for a new breed with three players from the last team (Dane Gagai, Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell) unlikely to be chosen again.

After winning the first game last season Queensland were well beaten in the series and Australian coach Meninga believes youth is the way forward.

“I see bolters, I really do,’’ Meninga told SEN.

“Origin is getting faster, quicker, stronger. I feel it is becoming a young person’s game. I would be looking at players with younger legs and the right character.”

“I would be throwing them in there and having a bit of a crack. There are a few bolters. Beau Fermor (Titans), Corey Horsburgh (Canberra) and Trent Loiero (Storm) has a bit of a hothead but you don’t mind someone like that and I don’t mind Alec McDonald (Storm).

Corey Horsburgh has had a strong start for the Raiders. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images via AFP

“He is a quality player who never gives up. That is the type of player you are looking at. You bring in the Tom Gilbert’s and J’Maine Hopgood’s and Tom Dearden needs to be there as well.

“Younger legs, competitive players. I feel they can come into contention this year.’’

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Queensland selectors have the time honoured challenge of trying to be loyal to their trusted talents who may not be shooting the lights out in club football but have done the job before.

Kalyn Ponga may have had a mixed season for Newcastle but Queensland great Justin Hodges believes he should be recalled at fullback with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow left in the centres.

Titans back-rower Beau Fermor is a bolter. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“Club form doesn’t always (count) in the Origin arena,’’ Hodges said.” When we had our fantastic run some of our teammates were getting bagged with people saying they shouldn’t be in the side.

“They put the Maroon jersey on and all of a sudden they go and kill it.

“I think it (fullback) should be Ponga. He is a little bit more of a safe (option). The Hammer has been playing some good football but I think Kalyn gives you more at the moment in terms of passing.

“Hammer has won Origin games for us in the centres as well. I remember the game in Adelaide (in game one in 2023) where he tore them to shreds on that left edge. You have got to have him in the side. He is one of those classy players but I think you can have Kalyn (at fullback) setting him up and letting Hammer find some space and using his speed.’’