Billy Slater has laughed off suggestions only one Brisbane Bronco in his Maroons squad spells concerns for Queensland rugby league.
Star forward Pat Carrigan underwent plastic surgery on a facial laceration sustained during his side’s defeat to the Dragons on Sunday, but is not expected to be ruled out of the State of Origin opener on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium.
Pat Carrigan suffered a facial laceration in the Brisbane Broncos defeat to the Dragons.Credit: NRL Photos
“He got plastic surgery last night, and I’m not sure if he needed it – might’ve been just a bit worried about his looks,” Maroons coach Slater said.
Injuries to Reece Walsh (knee) and Selwyn Cobbo (wrist) meant Carrigan was the only Broncos player in genuine contention for an Origin berth, a rare sight given the club is typically one of the most represented outfits in the interstate furnace.
But Slater dismissed the notion his team would be on the back foot, with only the Cowboys currently inside the NRL’s top eight.
“There’s only one Bronco in our Queensland team, which I don’t know if I’ve seen for a long time, but Queenslanders are flushed throughout the NRL – they’re not just in the Queensland clubs.”
Slater will usher three debutants into his side, with Robert Toia, Beau Fermor and Trent Loiero all called upon.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster also return from injuries that cost them the chance to feature in 2024.
While Walsh was preferred for all three games, his injury and form concerns have opened the door for former Dally M Medal winner Kalyn Ponga to reclaim the No.1 jumper.
Ponga has been publicly scathing of his own form for Newcastle, as the Knights limp to 15th on the ladder with just three wins to show for their campaign.
State of Origin 2025 game one is on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium.Credit: Jamie Brown
Queensland Maroons Game One squad
1. Kalyn Ponga; 2. Xavier Coates; 3. Robert Toia; 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 5. Valentine Holmes; 6. Cameron Munster; 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c); 8. Moeaki Fotuaika; 9. Harry Grant; 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui; 11. Reuben Cotter; 12. Jeremiah Nanai; 13. Pat Carrigan; 14. Tom Dearden; 15. Lindsay Collins; 16. Beau Fermor; 17. Trent Loiero; 18. Kurt Mann; 19. Jesse Arthars; 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
