Horsburgh named in Queensland Maroons Game II squad….
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has officially named its 20-man squad for Game II of the State of Origin series in Perth on June 18, with Canberra Raiders powerhouse Corey Horsburgh earning a coveted spot among the reserves .
Horsburgh’s inclusion reflects Queensland coach Billy Slater’s strategic shift, following a disappointing Game I defeat. Slater opted for fresh aggression up front, axeing veteran Daly Cherry‑Evans (halfback and captain since 2019) and Beau Fermor, while bringing in Kurt Capewell, Jack Howarth, Ezra Mam, and Horsburgh to inject impact from the bench . Canberra’s enforcer is known for his fiery workrate, high tackles, and penalty discipline evolving since early-season lapses .
Horsburgh’s re-emergence in the Maroons camp highlights Slater’s fresh approach after Origin I, emphasizing renewed momentum and bench strength. He joins a group aiming for redemption under new captain Cameron Munster, who takes over on the field alongside halfback Tom Dearden . Meanwhile, Cherry‑Evans’ mid‑series exclusion sparked controversy, with rumors of internal media leaks and an unprecedented shake-up from Queensland’s traditional “pick‑and‑stick” culture .
In Perth’s wet and slippery Game II, Horsburgh will be part of an emboldened front‑row rotation, ready to bring punch and energy off the bench as Queensland seeks to level the series .
Here’s how the squad stacks up compared to Game I:
Dropped: Daly Cherry‑Evans (captain), Beau Fermor, Jesse Arthars, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Added: Kurt Capewell, Corey Horsburgh, Jack Howarth, Ezra Mam
