Queensland legend Wally Lewis has axed four players from the State of Origin side that stunned New South Wales in game three last year.
The Maroons look set to make a number of changes despite their last-start 20-18 upset victory on the Gold Coast last July.
From that victorious side, Lewis is leaving out Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, AJ Brimson, Francis Molo, and Thomas Flegler from the team he wants his beloved state to pick for the series opener, to be played in Sydney on June 8.
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He has shaken up the Queensland backline, moving Val Holmes to centre to push Tabuai-Fidow out of the side, while teen Broncos sensation Selwyn Cobbo comes onto the wing to make his Origin debut.
Xavier Coates is named on the other wing in Lewis’ side, while Dane Gagai holds his spot at centre.
Maroons selector Darren Lockyer revealed ‘The King’ is not too far off what the likely team will be.
“I think most people have a pretty similar backline,” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“Of the seven (including halves Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans), there’s at least five who pick themselves, really. Wing is probably the area you can have some discussion around.
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“It is a very specialised position now. Not only taking the high ball, but then defensively, it’s a big task, reading the line. If you’re not playing there week in, week out, that’s a bit of a risk.”
Lewis is tipping North Queensland forwards Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai to make their Origin debuts on the Queensland bench.
The unlucky omissions are headlined by Brisbane forwards Thomas Flegler and Patrick Carrigan.
Flegler played for the Maroons last year, while Carrigan was robbed of an Origin debut due to a knee injury, but has come back this season in strong form.
Roosters prop Lindsay Collins is also in consideration.
“There is other names out there who could fill those exact positions,” Lockyer said.
“There’s quite a few of them up in Townsville. But I think you have to balance your experience with your youth.”
Lewis picked Jai Arrow to make his Origin comeback, having been axed for game three last year after breaking COVID-19 rules while in camp.
“You could probably pick one or two others, but I do like his performance, I think he’s gone pretty well,” Lewis said.
Lockyer said Arrow will be considered for selection this year, despite letting the team down with his breach in 2021.
“I think he took his medicine, he paid a penalty,” Lockyer said.
Queensland will announce its squad for Origin I on Monday.
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