Queensland greats baffled by shock snub and out of the blue call up

Two Queensland legends have been left scratching their heads as rumours swirl over a shock call up for the second Origin contest.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Mitchell Moses of the Eels gestures to the crowd after kicking a conversion during the round six NRL match between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on April 10, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Queensland legends Corey Parker and Cooper Cronk remain adamant Felise Kaufusi should start over Jeremiah Nanai despite reports claiming the latter will be in the Maroons’ starting team for Origin II.

The Courier Mail reports Cowboys star Nanai is set to replace Dolphins standout Tom Gilbert for the second Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

It leaves Kaufusi, along with a raft of other Queensland enforcers, battling it out to fill the vacancy left by Jai Arrow who suffered an ankle injury against the Gold Coast Titans.

But Parker and Cronk believe Kaufusi, a constant presence in the Maroons squad over the years, should be an automatic selection as Queensland aims to wrap up the series.

“There’s no doubt Jeremiah Nanai is a terrific young player, but I’m picking Felise Kaufusi every day of the week, twice on Sunday in my team,” Parker said on Fox League’s Friday night coverage.

“He’s a 14-game veteran for the Queenslanders, he’s 31 years of age, he’s the ultimate professional.

“He does absolutely everything you want, everything you want, every time he takes the field whether it’s with the Dolphins, whether it’s Melbourne, whether it’s the Queenslanders.

“I’d be really surprised if Kaufusi wasn’t in the team.”

Nanai is in line for a shock call up. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Another element of Kaufusi’s game Parker believes is necessary is the fact the Dolphins enforcer “understands” what’s required in big games.

“He puts fear in playmakers,” Parker said.

“If you want to dig too far into the line, you know Felise Kaufusi’s right shoulder is gonna bury somewhere in your ribs.

“He does all of those little defensive things, the kick pressures, the kick chase.

“That’s not to say Jeremiah Nanai doesn’t. He’s a wonderful player and brings a different style to Felise, but I’d be having Felise Kaufusi.”

Kaufusi faces an anxious wait to find out if he will play Origin II for the Maroons. Picture: NRL Images

Cronk, who played 22 Origin games for Queensland, felt there was a place for both in Billy Slater’s squad for the second game of the iconic series.

“I think Kaufusi’s owned that right edge for a period of time for the Queensland team and done a terrific job,” Cronk said.

“Nanai’s got that ability to be a part of the squad and have the impact off the bench, but again, you could switch them around.

“I imagine both will be in the squad somewhere.”

Slater is due to announce the Maroons squad for Game Two before Tuesday.

Originally published as Queensland greats baffled by shock snub and out of the blue call up