‘With a Wink: Harry Grant’s Cheeky Grin Suggests Last-Minute Changes for Maroons Following Unusual Team Announcement’

Harry Grant, the Queensland Maroons’ standout player, has sidestepped questions about any potential changes to the line-up ahead of Wednesday night’s kick-off, eliciting laughter from the panel of Nine’s 100% Footy.

In a bold move, the Maroons have decided to shake things up for game two of the State of Origin series, dropping their captain Daly Cherry-Evans alongside back-rower Beau Fermor.

Tom Dearden has been called up to fill the halfback role vacated by Cherry-Evans, while his partner in the halves, Cameron Munster, will lead the team as captain.

Kurt Capewell has been reinstated to replace Fermor, and he is set to start in the back row—a decision that has raised eyebrows and prompted speculation that the final team could differ when they take to the field at Optus Stadium.

Last Tuesday, Coach Billy Slater announced his 17-man squad, causing a stir by placing notable forwards Patrick Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai on the bench. Trent Loiero (lock) and Capewell are set to join Reuben Cotter in a back row that many doubt will actually start the game.

Kurt Mann is set to make his Origin debut as the No.14 utility, taking over from Dearden on the bench. Although Corey Horsburgh has been recalled to the squad, he will remain in the reserves, allowing beleaguered front-rower Moeaki Fotuaika to keep his spot.

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The distinctly different line-up for Queensland has raised numerous questions directed at coach Billy Slater, who has faced accusations of misleading fans and his players. Grant, when pressed on the team’s stability, kept a straight face, much to the delight of the 100% Footy panel.

When asked if there would be any shifts to the team named at Optus Stadium, Grant playfully denied any imminent changes, prompting laughter from Origin legends Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen.

“For now, it will stay as named,” he stated on Monday evening.

“Bill hasn’t had those discussions yet.”

As laughter rang out, Grant managed a wry smile.

“Nice work, mate. I’m loving it,” Smith remarked.

However, Grant was firm that the 1-17 is confirmed.

“Unless [Slater] throws a curveball last minute,” he continued, still grinning.

“It’s set as 1-17 and there are always strategies surrounding that, including how the interchange will be managed.

“But you can’t be too rigid, as it’s Origin and things can change quickly.”

On Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackle with Gus podcast, Phil Gould raised concerns about Slater’s choices.

“I don’t think they’ve addressed the problems that plagued them in game one,” Gould said.

“It’s a mental challenge they need to confront, not just a personnel one.

“I highly doubt that this will be their starting pack. I believe there will be alterations before kick-off.

“They probably named it this way to create some suspense.”

Considering the significance of the match, Gould expressed his “question marks” regarding Capewell’s inclusion as a starting back-rower.

“I suppose they’ve brought him in for his experience and work ethic,” he reflected.

“I’m uncertain where he’ll defend early on because Nanai was operating on the right. I assume he will have to contend with one of the opposing halves.”

“It would be more sensible if he were subbing for Reuben Cotter in the back row.

“It just appears to be a rather odd line-up, especially with the bench options they have and the required adjustments from game one.”

Gould was emphatic that the Maroons “must” field either Mann or Cotter as the hooker instead of Grant, who has excelled in numerous Origin matches when coming on as a substitute once the game’s pace has softened. Traditionally, Ben Hunt has often filled the role of Queensland’s starting No.9.