Queensland Maroons Make Three Changes for Game 2
The Queensland Maroons have announced their team for Game 2 of the 2026 State of Origin series, with three changes made to the lineup. One of these changes was due to an injury, while others were strategic decisions by the coaching staff.
Patrick Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki, both key players in the previous game, had to be replaced due to injuries they sustained during a surprising loss by the Brisbane Broncos against the St George Illawarra Dragons. This forced the coaching team to make adjustments to the bench. Additionally, coach Billy Slater decided to remove Ezra Mam from the bench after he was dropped by Michael Maguire ahead of the Broncos’ match against the Gold Coast Titans.
Despite these changes, the back seven remains unchanged from Game 1. Kalyn Ponga continues as fullback, with Selwyn Cobbo and Jojo Fifita on the wings, Robert Toia and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres, and Cameron Munster paired with Sam Walker in the halves.
In the forward pack, Thomas Flegler and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will start at prop, with Harry Grant taking the dummy half role. Reuben Cotter, however, is no longer starting in the second-row. Instead, he moves to lock, with Max Plath, who also serves as the back-up dummy half, shifting to the bench.
Briton Nikora, who was expected to be omitted for Game 2, has taken a spot in the second-row alongside New Zealand Warriors veteran Kurt Capewell. Lindsay Collins and Trent Loiero retain their positions on the bench, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki comes onto the bench as Carrigan’s replacement. However, the two will play different roles.
Reece Walsh and Murray Taulagi take the remaining bench spots, meaning Queensland will run without a specialist half on the six-man bench. Heilum Luki is named as the 20th man.
Walsh, who was axed for Origin 1, will only get onto the field in Game 2 if Queensland needs quick points or there are injuries in the back seven. Taulagi, a long-term Origin player, has been battling with injuries and will only play if there are injuries to one of the centre or wing duos.
Game 2 is set to take place next Wednesday, the 17th of June, in Melbourne.
Queensland Maroons Team for Game 2
- Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
- Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)
- Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
- Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans)
- Cameron Munster (c) (Melbourne Storm)
- Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters)
- Tom Flegler (Dolphins)
- Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
- Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks)
- Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors)
- Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
Interchange
14. Max Plath (Dolphins)
15. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)
17. Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)
18. Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
19. Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)
Reserve
20. Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys)
