EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer Reveals Details of the ‘Longest Ever’ Maroons Selection Meeting That Led to Major Origin Decisions

Queensland’s selector Darren Lockyer has revealed the details about the “longest ever” selection meeting, which resulted in several unexpected picks for the Maroons.

Lockyer participated in a lengthy conference call alongside head coach Billy Slater and fellow selector Gene Miles on Sunday night, striving to finalise a starting 17 that would clinch victory in next week’s State of Origin decider in Sydney.

The Monday morning team announcement caught much of the rugby league community off guard, featuring Gehamat Shibasaki in the backline and Josh Papali’i returning from representative retirement to play as prop.

Lockyer confirmed that star fullback Reece Walsh and exceptional winger Murray Taulagi were both contenders before ultimately being excluded during the extended selection process, described by QLDER host Adam Jackson as the “longest ever”.

Lockyer acknowledged the marathon discussion that persisted for hours.

“This particular selection meeting was conducted late on Sunday evening, as we needed to confirm the fitness of all the players under consideration,” Lockyer shared with Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“We were considering Murray Taulagi for the wing position, but unfortunately, his fitness levels are not where they need to be, so we had to evaluate the situation closely.”

“We had multiple scenarios in play… after an hour of thorough discussion, we reconvened after an hour’s reflection, and this is what we finally settled on.”

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“Naturally, everything is led by Billy; he needs to be comfortable with the selections, and he is very meticulous.”

Shibasaki was a surprising choice, having only revived his NRL career with the Broncos this season after joining on a train-and-trial basis.

Papali’i’s inclusion was equally unexpected given his past retirement from playing in Origin.

However, the most puzzling decision was the omission of Brisbane’s fullback, Walsh, who was widely anticipated to don the No.1 jersey following Kalyn Ponga’s injury on Friday night.

Instead, selectors decided to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, with Shibasaki brought in at centre, and Val Holmes moved to the wing.

“It’s always difficult when you have a talent like Reece Walsh, and to leave him out of the 17 is tough,” Lockyer admitted.

“I believe his game is still developing; he hasn’t reached his peak yet. There are aspects of his game he would want to improve.”

“Billy has experienced a PCL injury, so he understands the repercussions. When you observe Reece playing, you can see he’s still a bit restricted because of it.”

“Reece is not in peak condition yet, but he’s progressing towards it.”

The Maroons won’t be at a loss by positioning Tabuai-Fidow at fullback.

The Dolphins fullback delivered an exhilarating performance on Saturday, annihilating South Sydney, and selectors are keen for him to replicate that form for Queensland.

“Another factor is getting Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) involved in the play, and the fullback position allows him to roam and find involvement,” Lockyer said.

“In optimal conditions, if players like Harry Grant, Tom Dearden, and Cameron Munster can build momentum, then it won’t take much space to draw Hammer into the game.”

“He needs to be engaged. In the first game, he didn’t receive much ball; in the second game, the conditions hindered his involvement as well.”

“We saw just the other night how impactful he can be when around the ball; getting those opportunities is where he stands out, as he managed to score four tries.”

The Origin series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams heading to Sydney’s Accor Stadium next Wednesday to determine who will take home the shield.