Billy Slater brutally rejects $1.2m star, gives teenager his debut in huge Origin calls

Billy Slater has made some massive selection calls ahead of Origin I as the Storm legend prepares for his first series in charge of the Maroons.

Queensland has named its team for Origin I.

Newly-appointed Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has made some major selection calls ahead of next week’s State of Origin series opener in Sydney.

Slater will take charge of his first Origin series this year after replacing Paul Green and showed he isn’t afraid to make tough decisions.

The Gold Coast Titans’ $1.2 million wrecking ball David Fifita, who recently returned from an MCL injury, has been brutally snubbed, along with teammate Mo Fotuaika.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Broncos teenager Selwyn Cobbo has been named after a blistering start to his NRL career, while young guns Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai are also in the 22-man squad.

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“I will try my best, like I always do. I won’t let anyone down,” Cobbo said on Friday, ahead of his expected call-up.

“At the start of this year I wrote down a couple of goals.

“I wanted to make the All Stars and I achieved that. I also wrote down that I wanted to play for the Maroons.

“I’m not going to lie, I will be pretty scared, but I will be up for it.”

Nineteen-year-old Cobbo will make his Origin debut on the wing despite having just 16 NRL games under his belt, with Queensland teammate Cameron Munster comparing him to the legendary Greg Inglis.

“He’s a freak and he’s playing with absolute confidence,” Munster said.

“I don’t like obviously comparing him to certain players but he’s got a lot of GI similarities – left hand carry, strong fend, very elusive and very fast.

“He doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff and when you see someone like that not only doing the flashy stuff, he’s also doing the tough stuff, I’m sure he’s caught the eyes of the selectors for Queensland.”

Selwyn Cobbo is ready to make his Origin debut. Picture: NRL Imagery

With the Cowboys climbing to third on the NRL ladder after 12 rounds, six North Queensland players have been named in the extended Maroons squad.

“There is a lot to like about the Cowboys and their improvement is good for Queensland’s Origin stocks,” Slater said.

“I like the fact Reuben Cotter has gone through adversity, he’s had a few knee reconstructions. He is one guy I have enjoyed watching over the past six weeks.

“I want our players playing consistent football with the type of physical and mental toughness that Reuben shows.”

The New South Wales Blues announced their squad on Sunday evening, highlighted by a whole host of debutants.

Game I of the 2022 State of Origin series gets underway at Stadium Australia on Wednesday, June 8, with kick-off scheduled for 8.10pm AEST.

Queensland Maroons squad for Game 1

1. Kalyn Ponga - Newcastle Knights

2. Selwyn Cobbo - Brisbane Broncos

3. Valentine Holmes - North Queensland Cowboys

4. Dane Gagai - Newcastle Knights

5. Xavier Coates - Melbourne Storm

6. Cameron Munster - Melbourne Storm

7. Daly Cherry-Evans - Manly Sea Eagles

8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui - Gold Coast Titans

9. Ben Hunt - St George Illawarra Dragons

10. Josh Papalii - Canberra Raiders

11. Kurt Capewell - Brisbane Broncos

12. Felise Kaufusi - Melbourne Storm

13. Reuben Cotter - North Queensland Cowboys

14. Harry Grant - Melbourne Storm

15. Lindsay Collins - Sydney Roosters

16. Patrick Carrigan - Brisbane Broncos

17. Jeremiah Nanai - North Queensland Cowboys

18. Tom Dearden - North Queensland Cowboys

19. Jai Arrow - South Sydney Rabbitohs

20. Thomas Flegler - Brisbane Broncos

21. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - North Queensland Cowboys

22. Murray Taulagi - North Queensland Cowboys