Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has denied he was tempted to issue an SOS to Canberra enforcer Josh Papali’i, declaring he already had the troops to inspire a State of Origin boilover.
Papali’i retired from representative rugby league on the eve of the 2023 series after earning 23 Origin caps, but on Sunday proved he still had the mettle to lead a pack.
In becoming the most capped Raider of all time against South Sydney, the 33-year-old scored twice and ran for 81 metres and five tackle busts, while his coach Ricky Stuart lauded his leadership as key to their top of the table ascent.
Josh Papali’i has retired from State of Origin.Credit: Getty
The Maroons are still missing Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral) to injury, while captaincy contender Tino Fa’asuamaleaui heads into game two in Perth with a sternum concern.
New South Wales won game one through the middle, as an engine room led by Payne Haas ran rampant to finish with 124 more post-contact metres and 30 extra tackle-busts than their rivals.
But Slater was emphatic in that the squad assembled could save the series.
“No, no I haven’t,” Slater said, when asked if he had discussed a comeback with Papali’i.
“There are quite a few things we didn’t get right, and that’s what we’ll go over in the first couple of days. Then it’s up to the players to go out there in that 80 minutes and deliver that, but that [the forwards battle] is certainly one area.
“We have to do it the long way, we maybe took a few short-cuts in game one, so the long way might be just the way we need.”
Papali’i’s Canberra teammate Corey Horsburgh has, however, been named in the squad, as he pushes to unseat either Trent Loiero or Moeaki Fotuaika – who ran for just 38 metres in game one.
His inclusion has the support of former Maroons coach Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin.
“I actually think Corey really deserved a spot, not just because he’s a redhead, but because he’s trimmed down, his work rate is a lot better, and he’s pretty sneaky at the line,” Vautin said before game one.
“He can make a break, and he can score a try as well, but you can only fit 17 in.”
Slater will not confirm his side until Tuesday.
Queensland Maroons winners and losers: Tom Dearden, Corey Horsburgh, Kurt Capewell and Daly Cherry-Evans.Credit: Aresna Villaneuva
Beau Fermor has also been left out for veteran Kurt Capewell, but the biggest axing came in the form of Daly Cherry-Evans.
Slater also threw a curveball, with maligned Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam coming into the fold along with fellow bolter Jack Howarth.
Mam’s career was in limbo after he was involved in a car accident with drugs in his system, but has returned from his nine-game suspension in strong form.
“People will have their speculation around all selected, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. I don’t think he’s skipped a beat. I’m sure he’ll take his opportunity if presented.”
Billy Slater on Ezra Mam
However, his Brisbane teammate Reece Walsh’s comeback from a knee concern on Saturday was not enough to force his way into the mix.
While Walsh finished with two tries, a try assists and 161 running metres against the Titans, incumbent No.1 Kalyn Ponga was retained.
“I consider everything, and I watch everything. He’s got a real spring in his step and a real energy about him,” Slater said of Walsh.
“I felt he made a real difference to the Broncos’ performance, but you’ve got to remember when you throw a name up you’ve got to take one out, and we just feel the ones we have at the moment are the right ones.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll be ready to go if called upon. You never know what lies ahead in the future.”
