Injury woes have forced Queensland to name an extended 22-man squad for next Wednesday’s second State of Origin at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
Down 1-0 in the series, the Maroons must win to have any chance of stretching their unprecedented Origin dominance into a ninth year. Superstars Greg Inglis (ankle), Daly Cherry-Evans (knee) and Billy Slater (knee) are the biggest injury concerns, with Maroons coach Mal Meninga giving the trio the majority of the week to prove their fitness.
As cover, selectors have brought in experienced Origin campaigners Willie Tonga and Jacob Lillyman, as well as rookies Ben Hunt, Will Chambers and Anthony Milford to train with the squad.
Tonga’s selection is arguably the biggest surprise. The career of the Parramatta centre looked over last season as he languished in the NSW Cup but has found a new lease of life under Eels coach Brad Arthur.
Arthur told Newscorp that representing Queensland wasn’t on Tonga’s radar in 2014. “We never spoke about Origin in pre-season, Willie just wanted to play week to week for Parramatta,” he said. “But he has experience at that (Origin) level, so he won’t be daunted by the occasion.”
NSW will name it’s Origin squad today, with Josh Dugan and Beau Scott expected to be called up to replace injured twins Josh and Brett Morris. Second-rower Greg Bird is certain to be named after missing the first match through suspension. Tony Williams is tipped to be the player who makes way.
In NRL news, the Brisbane Broncos heaped more misery on the struggling Canberra Raiders with a convincing 28-4 victory in the nation’s capital on Monday night. Winger Dale Copley picked up a double for the Queensland side.
