State of Origin 2024: Queensland Maroons Game I squad officially revealed

Billy Slater has addressed the media to discuss the Maroons team for the State of Origin opener — including David Fifita’s axing, Tom Dearden’s recall and the latest Queensland debutant.

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Queensland coach Billy Slater has backed Tom Dearden to fill the Cameron Munster void and explained his shock decision to axe incumbent back-rower David Fifita for Origin I.

Fifita played all three games for Queensland last season but was a surprise omission for the 2024 series opener on Wednesday week in Sydney, despite his barnstorming display for the Titans in Sunday’s 36-34 upset of the Broncos.

Slater opted for a starting back row of Jaydn Su’A and Jeremiah Nanai and has blooded debutant J’maine Hopgood on the bench, with Fifita not even selected for the extended 20-man squad.

There was a view Fifita had saved his Maroons jumper after destroying the Broncos with 193 metres, a try assist and seven tackle busts, but Slater said the Tongan torpedo has been below his best this season in a struggling Titans team.

“Dave created a really high standard for himself last year, he just hasn’t quite got to that standard this year,” Slater said.

“I spoke to Dave (on Sunday night) and he has taken the disappointing news like a true Queenslander and wishes the best for the footy team.

“He also reiterated that in a text message after our chat so I have no doubt that Dave will get back to the footy that he played last year.

“I’m sure he will wear a Maroon jersey in the future again.”

David Fifita was overlooked despite a barnstorming display for the Titans. Picture: NRL Photos

While the Blues have chopped and changed again, unveiling six new faces, Slater has stuck with the nucleus of the Queensland side that has clinched back-to-back series.

Eels ironman Hopgood is the only new cap for a Maroons side that will be without a number of injured top-liners, including Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert, Kalyn Ponga, Tom Flegler and Cameron Munster.

The loss of the talismanic Munster (groin), in particular, is a huge blow, but Slater is confident Dearden will step up — just as the Cowboys ace did in the 2022 decider when he starred on debut after Munster was ruled out with Covid.

Broncos young gun Ezra Mam was turning up the heat at five-eighth, but Slater believes Dearden’s competitive fire and defensive toughness will hold him in good stead at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

“Have you seen Tommy play?” Slater mused.

Billy Slater is confident Tom Dearden will step up for the Maroons. Picture: Getty Images

“You don’t have to watch Tommy for too long to understand what he brings to a footy team.

“The one thing that Queensland did have when Cam Munster went down was quality players that could fill in that position.

“Ezra is part of the 20-man squad and when you are a part of the squad, it means you are playing to the standard this team has created.

“And this footy team has created a really high standard.

“There wasn’t a wrong decision there (at five-eighth), but I felt Tommy has earnt this opportunity.

“He has great habits in his his game and he has done a great job for Queensland.”

Slater also named Selwyn Cobbo in a super-sub utility role and he believes the Broncos game breaker could play a crucial role given the Maroons have lost a back to injury in four of their last six Origin games.

“Certainly he is there for a bit of cover but at the same time Selwyn can play various positions,” Slater said.

“I might even create one for him, who knows.

“We will plan that as the week goes on, but he is a wonderful player and we have only scratched the surface of what he can do.”

The Queensland State of Origin team for Game One.

New Blues coach Michael Maguire has the hot hand after steering New Zealand to Pacific Championships glory last November, but Slater believes Queensland have the right mix to chase an Origin three-peat.

“They have named a really strong side, they always do,” Slater said of the Blues.

“I’m sure a lot of people will be talking about who’s not there but that won’t be our focus, we will give them the respect they deserve, but at the same time our priority is our footy team and our game and trying to recreate that to the best of our ability.

“I don’t like the word comfortable. I don’t feel comfortable right now.

“Comfort is not somewhere that I would describe myself. That’s just me as a person. I am really excited about getting to work.

“A lot of people have put hard work into the preparation but you can only do so much without the players and we have 20 fit and healthy Queenslanders ready to get to work for the next 10 days to go and represent the people of our state.

“That’s where my excitement is.”

Originally published as State of Origin 2024: Queensland Maroons Game I squad officially revealed