‘Careers are on the line’: Maroons legend Corey Parker predicts at least five Queensland jerseys are up for grabs

Besieged prop Mo Fotuaika has pledged to lift his game, with a Maroons legend predicting up to five jerseys are up for grabs should Queensland lose the series on Wednesday night.

Maroons legend Corey Parker says careers are on the line in Origin II as besieged prop Mo Fotuaika pledged to lift his game and lead a Queensland fightback on Wednesday night.

Former Origin ironman Parker believes as many as five Maroons jumpers will be up for grabs if Queensland crash to back-to-back series defeats in the return bout against NSW at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Fotuaika, Lindsay Collins, Valentine Holmes, Trent Loiero and Kalyn Ponga are just some of the Maroons under pressure to hit back after Queensland’s disappointing 18-6 loss to NSW in the series opener.

Fotuaika came under fire after making just four runs for 39 metres in Origin I, blown off the park by NSW front-row rival Payne Haas, who claimed man-of-the-match honours.

Moeaki Fotuaika says he needs to step up in Game 2. Picture: NRL Photos

Queensland coach Billy Slater is banking on Fotuaika and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to fight fire with fire in Game Two and the Maroons bookend concedes he faces a perform-or-perish moment in Perth.

“I want to stay in this team, 100 per cent,” said Fotuaika, who plays his 11th Origin game on Wednesday night.

“This is the business we are in, it’s results-driven and your spot depends on performing.

“I’m not worrying too much about the future, we have spoken about fixing up some areas and getting the results.

“I am always proud of this state and I love wearing the Queensland jumper.

“I know I am capable of performing in this arena.

“It’s important for us forwards to set the platform in Game Two, it’s on us to lead the way and lay that foundation because if we don’t do that, the halves can’t do anything.”

Parker, a 19-game Origin stalwart who was a key part of Mal Meninga’s golden dynasty between 2006-15, says the axe could fall on several Maroons careers if Queensland crash for a fourth consecutive game.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (L) and Fotuaika have a huge task in front of them. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

An unassailable 2-0 series lead for NSW would be disastrous for Queensland and prompt Maroons hierarchy to consider ushering in a new era of talent, just as they did after losing 3-0 to the Blues in 2000.

“There’s careers on the line in this game, absolutely,” former Maroons lock Parker said.

“You would have to say there’s at least five spots up for grabs if Queensland don’t get the job done.

“Whenever a team loses a series, whether that’s Queensland or NSW, there are positions under threat.

“There’s some young guys waiting in the wings.

“Guys like Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Sam Walker, Corey Horsburgh, Beau Fermor and Jaxon Purdue all have to come into the equation in the future if the series is gone.

Kalyn Ponga had a quiet Game 1. Picture: QRL

“I would love to see us square the series but there needs to be a lot more energy and aggression in the forwards for Game Two.”

Fotuaika agrees with Parker’s assessment, saying he was bitterly disappointed with the Maroons’ inability to win the midfield in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

The 25-year-old Tongan Test star rubbished suggestions Queensland’s pack has a soft underbelly.

“I know for myself, I don’t lack aggression,” he said.

“It was tough in Game One, we were well beaten, but guys like Tino, Pat Carrigan and Lindsay Collins, they are aggressive in their own ways, so we have to put it together and work as a forward pack.”

While he has been an excellent servant for the Titans at club level, the jury is out on whether Fotuaika can take the next step in the Origin arena. He is hellbent on correcting that sentiment.

“That’s one area where I want to improve, I want to improve my carries,” he said of his four hit-up contribution in Origin I.

“It was a bit hard in Game One due to the penalties and lack of possession.

“We can improve our discipline and if we do that, I will get a lot more carries.

“It’s not just about me though, it’s about knowing when to share the workload and pass to my teammates.

Corey Horsburgh is in line for a Maroons jersey.

“I didn’t perform to my best and what I think is expected of me.

“I am appreciative to Billy for giving me another chance for Game One and as a team we want to perform a lot better.

“I’m always grateful whenever I get the call-up for Queensland.

“I never take it for granted because you never know the last time you will put on this Maroons jersey. Every time I get the chance to come into camp I want to make the most of it and that starts with my preparation during the week.

“Once I get that right, come game day I know how to play footy.”

Originally published as ‘Careers are on the line’: Maroons legend Corey Parker predicts at least five Queensland jerseys are up for grabs