Maroons Origin III team: Legend recalled from retirement, bolter thrown out wide after Hammer gets nod over Walsh….
Queensland has confirmed their Maroons squad for Origin III, set for July 9 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Here’s a breakdown of the standout selections:
Legend recalled from retirement:
Josh Papalii, 33, is making an extraordinary comeback to the Maroons after retiring post-Origin III in 2022. He’s set to start at prop beside Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, replacing Moe Fotuaika . Papalii will bring formidable power to the front row.
Bolter named in the centres:
Gehamat Shibasaki, 26, secured a shock debut at centre, partnering rookie Robert Toia. Just three years ago he was playing rugby in Japan, making this one of the most inexperienced but intriguing centre pairings in recent Origin history .
**“Hammer” shifts fullback**:
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, fresh off a four-try hero performance, has been awarded the fullback jersey, pushing Valentine Holmes to the wing .
Walsh snubbed, placed 18th man:
Despite his retained inclusion, Reece Walsh drops to the 18th man role due to cautious management of a knee complaint, keeping him in line—but not on the field—should injuries strike .
Full Maroons Squad – Game III
1. Hamiso Tabuai‑Fidow
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Tom Dearden
8. Josh Papalii
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Trent Loiero
14. Kurt Mann
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Patrick Carrigan
18th man: Reece Walsh
Front row impact: Papalii’s return shifts the balance. His inclusion over Fotuaika adds added aggression and experience, underlining the Maroons’ physical intent in the middle.
Youth meets opportunity: The pairing of Shibasaki and Toia gives Slater the chance to harness fresh talent, even if their Origin experience is minimal.
Backline shake-up: Tabuai-Fidow’s dominant form earns him fullback, displacing the usual suspects, while Valentine Holmes adapts to the edge, keeping defence sharp.
Injury insurance: Reece Walsh remains within striking distance as 18th man, and with Kalyn Ponga out injured, Slater’s left breathing space in the halves and fullback.
Queensland‘s lineup for Game III shows a bold mix of recalled experience and rookie enthusiasm. Papalii’s return adds heavy-duty grunt, Shibasaki’s surprise debut offers fresh attacking flair, and Tabuai‑Fidow’s shift to fullback rewards current momentum. Reece Walsh’s benching underscores cautious player management with the series on the line.
This selection is a clear signal: Slater wants to finish strong. It’s a gutsy call—now it’s up to the players to deliver.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper run through of the bench or match-up breakdown ahead of the decider!
