Queensland coach Billy Slater has made headlines with a surprising reshuffle ahead of the deciding State of Origin clash, giving an NRL veteran his first cap and bringing back a retired player.
The absence of Kalyn Ponga due to injury has necessitated significant changes in the backline, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow stepping in as fullback, Val Holmes moving to the wing, and Gehamat Shibasaki set to make his debut at centre.
At 26, Shibasaki has had a varied career, having played for the Knights, Cowboys, and Rabbitohs, as well as a stint in Japanese rugby, before rejoining the Broncos this year where he has quickly carved out a role as a starting backline player.
In a major twist, former Queensland prop Josh Papali’i, who had previously retired from representative rugby, has been brought back into the fold and is set to start at prop in Origin III in Sydney next Wednesday.
Mo Fotuaika has been left out of the squad, while Reece Walsh will take on the role of 18th man.
MORE TO COME.
MAROONS ORIGIN III TEAM
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Jeremiah Nanai. Extended bench: 18. Reece Walsh 19. Josh Kerr 20. J’maine Hopgood
Gehamat Shibasaki of the Broncos celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. Getty
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