Maroons Origin team named for Game 1: Ponga over Walsh, new halves combo

Reece Walsh will not play in State of Origin’s series opener this year, missing selection in Billy Slater’s Queensland team behind red-hot Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga, who will be playing in the number one spot come Game One.

This is the second time in as many series that Walsh has been left out, only making it to the match as an 18th man in Game Three. Then, Slater picked Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at No.1 and won the decider. This time around, “The Hammer” will play in the centres with Ponga fit, and Walsh hasn’t landed a spot anywhere in the 20-player state team list.

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“We’ve seen Reece play at this level, and he was one of the most influential players in the Queensland team in that series in 2023,” Slater said on the surprise fullback omission, telling journalists he’s already spoken to the 23-year-old. “I’ve got a great relationship with Reece, and I’ve got a lot of time for him. I love the way he plays his footy. He’s getting there.”

On Ponga specifically, he said: “We’ve all seen what Kalyn has done at this level and for the Knights this year, he’s in exceptional form. I feel Kalyn’s best position is fullback. He’s really nailed it, and he’s in a real sweet spot with his career and life.”

Elsewhere in the team, Sam Walker has been named to replace 2025 player of the series Tom Dearden (injured), while Gold Coast speedster Jojo Fifita has beaten out state stalwart Valentine Holmes. Holmes has been very poor for St George Illawarra recently.

Max Plath of the Dolphins will debut at lock, while back rower Briton Nikora has made it onto the bench after eligibility rules around New Zealand and England players were just updated; they can now appear in Origin if available.

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Here’s the full Queensland team named for Origin Game I.

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Rob Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Jojo Fifita (debutant)

6. Cameron Munster (c)

7. Sam Walker (debutant)

8. Tom Flegler

9. Harry Grant

10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

11. Reuben Cotter

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Max Plath (debutant)

14. Briton Nikora (debutant)

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Pat Carrigan

17. Trent Loiero

18. Ezram Mam (debutant)

19. Gehamat Shibasaki

20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

The series opener will be played in Sydney on Wednesday, May 27.