Maroons coach defends Mam selection
Maroons coach Billy Slater has defended his decision to choose controversial Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam in an extended 20-man Queensland squad for Wednesday week's State of Origin clash in Perth.
On a day when Slater also confirmed the axing of 36-year-old Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, his selection of Mam – who isn't expected to make Queensland's match-day 17 but could be the 18th man – raised eyebrows, with the Broncos star having only recently returned from a nine-match NRL suspension after being banned for a drug-driving scandal that resulted in him being sent to rehab and fined $120,000. Ezra Mam is a controversial inclusion in an extended Maroons squad. Liam Kidston Credit: News Corp Australia
'He's been doing a great job over the last few weeks since he's returned,' Slater said in explaining his selection of Mam.
'We feel that the squad will benefit from him being here. He's been a part of this squad before and I'm sure he'll take his opportunity if presented.
'I'm sure people will have their speculation around all the people selected.'
As well as those players who missed out, including veteran Manly halfback Cherry-Evans, whose spot has gone to North Queensland Cowboys half Tom Dearden for a game the Maroons must win to keep the Origin series alive.
'It's just a case of the best person for the position,' Slater said.
'When you're in this position to make decisions, you have to think what's best for the footy team. We just feel Tom is the right person for the No.7 jersey right now.
'Obviously Daly wanted to play and he was disappointed that he wasn't going to get the opportunity but he took the news with great character and great respect.
'We had a good conversation. We've got a great relationship.
'You won't hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans. What he's given this jersey and what he's done for this footy team in this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life.
'No-one can take that away from him.'
Dearden's previous spot on the bench is set to go to Canterbury's Kurt Mann, while Warriors star Kurt Capewell is set to be included in the 17 at the expense of axed Gold Coast Titans forward Beau Fermor.
Slater said the Maroons' new captain would be announced on Tuesday when the final 17 was confirmed.
Maroons 20-man squad: Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Mo Fotuaika, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kurt Capewell, Jeremiah Nanai, Pat Carrigan, Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Jack Howarth, Corey Horsburgh.
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Ponga did not shine in the opening loss to NSW and will need to get the job done in Western Australia if he is to hang on to his position. The chances of Brisbane star fullback Reece Walsh playing for Queensland this year are alive and kicking after his endorsement by coach Billy Slater. The 22-year-old made a stunning return from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in the Broncos' 44-14 win over Gold Coast on Saturday after a six-week absence, scoring two tries and having a hand in two others while running for 163m. Walsh was the incumbent Maroons fullback but his injury opened the door for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga to return to the No.1 jersey for the 18-6 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium. While Walsh has not played enough football in the last two months to dislodge Ponga for game two in Perth, he is very much in Slater's thoughts for this series. 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