A look at the Queensland side to play NSW in game two of the State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.
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Fullback - Reece Walsh
Age: 20
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
With electric speed and a style that has verve and vivaciousness written all over it, Walsh appears set for a long career for Queensland. The Brisbane No.1 is studying the art of fullback play under Maroons great Billy Slater, and the mentor's wisdom has clearly rubbed off.
Winger – Xavier Coates
Age: 22
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 2
Known as 'X' by his teammates there is no doubt Coates provides X-factor to his wing play. Standing at 194cm, Coates the Melbourne flyer is adept at getting above any opponent thanks partly to his triple-jump background.
Centre - Valentine Holmes
Age: 27
Origins: 14
Origin tries: 11
Holmes is the supreme athlete who can turn a game with his ability to sniff an opportunity and take it. Has great balance and when he runs is adept at setting up his supports inside and out like the class centre he is.
Centre - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Age: 21
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 3
The man known as 'Hammer' certainly nailed NSW in game one in Adelaide with a dazzling two-try display. While recognised for his attacking flair, Tabuai-Fidow has not missed a tackle in two Origin games and is a physical presence as well as a graceful athlete.
Winger - Murray Taulagi
Age: 24
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
The North Queensland speedster is a powerful force on the edge and can run around and over opponents. Taulagi missed last year's series decider with COVID and can't wait to play at Suncorp Stadium in Origin for the first time.
Five-eighth - Cameron Munster
Age: 28
Origins: 16
Origin tries: 3
Munster is the player NSW fears the most and rightly so, given he's turned series and games on their heads with his own brand of magic. The Melbourne playmaker is well on his way to becoming one of Queensland's all-time greats.
Halfback - Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Age: 34
Origins: 20
Origin tries: 2
The most experienced player in the side, Cherry-Evans is now fourth on the all-time list of the Maroons' most capped skippers. Respected by his teammates and opponents alike, the veteran had his best game ever in last year's series decider. On the cusp of leading Queensland to three series wins out of the last four.
Prop - Lindsay Collins
Age: 27
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 0
The Sydney Roosters prop is one of the first picked for the Maroons. Game one in Adelaide this year showcased why, when he came up with a huge play to catch a bomb and set up the match-sealing try in the final minutes. As strong in the last minute as he is in the first.
Hooker - Ben Hunt
Age: 33
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 3
The controversy surrounding Hunt's future at St George Illawarra won't have one iota of an impact on how he plays for Queensland. The veteran has a knack of coming up with a big play when needed, as he did in last year's decider. Provides leadership and guile.
Prop - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Age: 23
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 0
The Gold Coast captain is set for a 30-plus game career in the Maroons jersey if he maintains the form he's shown as a young man. It is frightening to think he is four or five years away from when props are traditionally at their best. Physically brutish and mentally strong.
Second-row - David Fifita
Age: 23
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 0
Fifita, who suffered a head knock and was then temporarily moved to the centres in game one, is the kind of player capable of breaking an Origin game wide open. In the best and most consistent form of his career and has the raw skill and power to turn a close game.
Second-row – Jeremiah Nanai
Age: 20
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Played volleyball and basketball as a youth, where he honed his leaping and rare aerial skills for a forward. Nanai is a try-scoring specialist and a superb hole runner who gives the Maroons an extra attacking threat on the edges.
Lock - Patrick Carrigan
Age: 25
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Last season was the best of Carrigan's career, when he was Wally Lewis Medal winner as player of the series in his debut State of Origin. Not one to rest on his laurels, Carrigan is a better player this year and more dangerous in attack, with his judiciously-deployed offload.
Interchange:
Harry Grant
Age: 25
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
The Melbourne rake is coming off a red-hot display against Cronulla in club football. Quick across the ground and between the ears, Grant is a master at finding a tired forward and making them pay on the scoreboard. Has a well-honed combination with Munster.
Tom Flegler
Age: 23
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Flegler oozes aggression and menace on the field but has found a way to channel it so that he gives away fewer penalties than in the past. Provides the fear factor and intimidation that is perfect for Origin football.
Reuben Cotter
Age: 24
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Can play 80 minutes if required and will fill any position the coach asks him to. Cotter was man of the match in Adelaide in game one where he slotted into the second-row and tackled and ran all night. The ultimate team man, built for Origin.
Moeaki Fotuaika
Age: 23
Origins: 4
Tries: 0
Earned a recall for the first time since 2021 on the back of stellar form for the Gold Coast. Fotuaika is one of those no-nonsense props who runs hard and tackles harder. Relishes the gritty style of football that is an Origin staple.
18th man – Corey Horsburgh
Age: 25
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Horsburgh is on stand-by and the perfect candidate if required due to his versatility, where he can play on an edge or in the middle. The redhead is a cult figure in Canberra, where he breathes fire in wholehearted displays. Suited to Origin, he will no doubt have his chance soon enough.
Australian Associated Press