Queensland confirms three surprise changes for Origin Game 2

Maroons coach Billy Slater has confirmed surprise changes as Queensland look to wrap up the series at Suncorp in Game 2.

Daanyal Saeed

less than 2 min read

June 13, 2023 - 7:35AM

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 31: Maroons coach Billy Slater walks out onto the field during game one of the 2023 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 31, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Queensland coach Billy Slater has confirmed his line-up for Game 2 of State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium as his Maroons side look to secure the series.

Xavier Coates, Jeremiah Nanai and Moeaki Fotuaika make their return to the Origin arena after strong form from all three at club level.

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Slater’s forward pack reshuffle comes amid a slate of injuries to Jai Arrow, Tom Gilbert and Selwyn Cobbo.

Cobbo took a knock to his hip during the Maroon’s Game 1 win in Adelaide, and further aggravated it in Brisbane’s win over Newcastle.

Xavier Coates returns after strong form for Melbourne. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Jeremiah Nanai sees his first representative football in two years . (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Cobbo is expected to push for selection in Game 3, while Arrow and Gilbert have been ruled out for the remainder of the series.

The Titans’ AJ Brimson has also come in as 18th man, replacing the Cowboys’ Tom Dearden, and Corey Horsburgh has been rewarded for his form for the Raiders by being named in the extended squad.