Jarrod Wallace to play Origin II as Christian Welch named 18th man

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has made his decision on who is replacing Jai Arrow and Joe Ofahengaue for Origin II. SEE THE FULL MAROONS TEAM HERE.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters is seen during a press conference after Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Tim Glasby and Jarrod Wallace have staved off Christian Welch to win the two vacant Queensland forwards berth for Origin II.

Welch will arrive in Perth later tonight but the in-form Melbourne prop will join the Maroons as 18th man with Wallace and Glasby winning recalls for the return bout at Perth’s Optus Stadium next Sunday night.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

The loss of Jai Arrow (ankle) has opened the door for Dylan Napa to start, with Glasby elevated onto the bench to replace Joe Ofahengaue, who suffered a nasty knee gash in Origin I.

Wallace, who was strong in the Titans’ loss to the Warriors on Friday night, has been called onto the bench to replace Napa.

Welch and Wallace were vying for the 17th and final spot but Maroons selectors have gone for experience over unproven talent.

Jarrod Wallace will play ahead of Christian Welch. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Glasby has played three games for Queensland in the 2017-18 campaigns, while Wallace has compiled five Origin matches over the same period.

“It’s disappointing for Jai but we have a very good squad of players,” Queensland coach Kevin Walters said last night.

“It’s a shame to lose Joe as well but Tim was our 18th man for Game One and he has done a fine job for us in the past.

Christian Welch will be the 18th man. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“Jarrod has always been in the mix and so has Christian Welch.

“Jarrod was very good for the Titans the other night and I have been really happy with the character he has shown since missing out on Origin I.”

The Maroons will field the same backline which drew first blood at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland are expected to add two other shadow players to complete a 20-man squad for the historic clash in Western Australia, the state in which Maroons sensation Kalyn Ponga was born.

QUEENSLAND TEAM

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Michael Morgan, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire.

Interchange: Moses Mbye, Tim Glasby, David Fifita, Jarrod Wallace

18th man: Christian Welch

Originally published as Jarrod Wallace to play Origin II as Christian Welch named 18th man