Selwyn Cobbo ruled out of Origin II in shock blow for Queensland

There seems to be no end to the State of Origin injury carnage, with Queensland hit with a shock blow to one of their star players.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Selwyn Cobbo of the Maroons looks on 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 have been forced to make a shock change for State of Origin II, with Selwyn Cobbo ruled out with injury.

The Courier Mail reports Cobbo took a knock to his hip in Game I in Adelaide, where he scored two tries in Queensland’s 26-18 win.

The 21-year-old winger aggravated the injury in Brisbane’s win over Newcastle and the Maroons won’t risk him in Game II at Suncorp Stadium on June 21.

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Cobbo’s injury opens the door for Storm winger Xavier Coates to replace him on the wing.

Coates scored a double in the Storm’s thrashing of Cronulla on Sunday, and has already played six Origins for Queensland.

Injuries to forwards Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow have ruled them out of the remainder of the series, and coach Billy Slater has taken the opportunity to ring in the changes.

Selwyn Cobbo will miss State of Origin Game II. NRL Imagery

Xavier Coates will come in for Queensland. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Cowboys back-rower Jeremiah Nanai has reportedly earned a call up, while Titans prop Mo Fotuaika is set to edge out Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh for the final spot in Queensland’s 17-man squad.

Slater has also made a change to the 18th man position, selecting Titan AJ Brimson instead of Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden.

Horsburgh has been named 19th man in recognition of his excellent form for the Raiders.

Blues hit by injury crisis

Despite the changes, Queensland has a relatively settled line-up compared to the chaos in NSW, where an injury crisis means it will be a very different looking Blues team for the must win Game II.

Mitchell Moses is firming to be picked as the replacement for injured halfback Nathan Cleary.

Moses played one game in the 2021 Origin series and is reportedly set to get the No. 7 jersey ahead of the likes of Nicho Hynes and Adam Reynolds.

Jeremiah Nanai is set to come in to Queensland’s side. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Reynolds helped the Broncos win a thriller against Newcastle on Saturday but Hynes was well blow his best for Cronulla as the Sharks were thrashed 54-10 by the Melbourne Storm on Sunday.

The Storm’s forward pack dominated Cronulla, but given Hynes struggled against a side featuring Maroons stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, it doesn’t bode well for his Origin chances.

Hooker Api Koroisau suffered a broken jaw for the Tigers, meaning Damien Cook will replace him and Brad Fittler will have to consider who he picks in the No. 14 jersey.

Hynes came off the bench in Game I, but Fittler is reportedly considering Cronulla’s Cam McInnes for a spot on the bench, while North Queensland’s Reece Robson was also being discussed, if the Blues opt for a hooker/utility.

The Blues are also sweating on the fitness of Latrell Mitchell (calf), Cameron Murray (groin) and Panthers star Liam Martin, who suffered a grade one concussion in Penrith’s win over the Roosters.

Originally published as Selwyn Cobbo ruled out of Origin II in shock blow for Queensland