NRL star to comes out of Origin retirement for Qld Maroons in Game 3
Queensland are reportedly set to make a stunning selection call for the State of Origin decider, with veteran prop Josh Papalii set to be a shock inclusion for Game 3.
According to Code Sports, Papalii is expected to come out of Origin retirement and be named on Maroons coach Billy Slater's team sheet on Monday morning.
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The 33-year-old played 23 games for Queensland from 2013 to 2022 and was seen as Queensland's most intimidating enforcers.
Papalii, who has also played 11 Tests for Australia and 10 Tests for Samoa, announced his retirement from representative football in 2023 when he knew he was going to be overlooked for Origin selection.
The beloved prop is enjoying a fairytale season, having recently scored in his 300th NRL game for Canberra as the Raiders chase their first premiership in 31 years.
His strong form at club level has put him back on Slater's radar and Papalii is tipped to start for Queensland in Game 3 in Sydney on July 9.
Papalii is being backed to start the game with a 25-minute burst at prop alongside Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
Code Sports reports Titans prop Mo Fotuaika is set to be dropped to make way for Papalii's unlikely return to Queensland's starting side.
The shock selection call will add grunt and fear factor to the Maroons, who are aiming to clinch an unlikely series win and claim a third Origin shield in four years.
An injury to Kalyn Ponga has also opened the door for Reece Walsh to return for Queensland, while Hamiso Tabui-Fidow has pressed his case for the No. 1 jersey with a four-try outing for the Dolphins.
The surprise selection news is in stark contrast to NSW, who have named an unchanged 17 for Game 3.
NSW's forward pack came under scrutiny in Perth, with Max King's position at starting prop under question following the injury to Mitch Barnett that left a hole in the team.
Stefano Utoikamanu's spot in the team was also seen as under threat, but Daley has stuck to his guns, ignoring calls to bring Rabbitohs gun Keaon Koloamatangi or Tigers recruit Terrell May in to do a job at prop.
Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said on SEN after Game 2: 'Stefano Utoikamanu is gone. I'm rubbing him out for Game 3. Max King is not a starting Origin front rower. So there's a starting front rower spot up for grabs for NSW.
'I don't think you can go with the same starting 13 again. You can't go with Max King if you're only giving him that many minutes.'
Daley has reportedly added Sharks second rower Teig Wilton and Parramatta forward Jack Williams to the extended squad for the 10-day camp before the decider at Sydney's Accor Stadium. Gold Coast's Brian Kelly has also been added to the squad.
That trio aren't expected to be included in the final 20-man squad but will come into camp as experience and to run opposition at NSW training.
On top of those two additions, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has been brought into NSW's squad as insurance for Nathan Cleary, who is managing a thigh/groin injury.
Katoa, 21, has been in blistering form for the Dolphins and has been given the nod over Broncos veteran Adam Reynolds as the back-up halfback.
Brian To'o, Jarome Luai and Payne Haas have all been cleared to play.
PREDICTED QUEENSLAND TEAM — to be named Monday 9am AEST
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Tom Dearden
8. Moeaki Fotuaika/Josh Papalii/Lindsay Collins
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Trent Loiero
14. Kurt Mann
15. Lindsay Collins/Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Patrick Carrigan
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"It's not so much about the temptation (to pick Walsh), it's about what feel is right for the footy team. "I know it's a great discussion and people will be talking about it. I don't think you can make a wrong decision there. "Reece is a great player, there is no one more proud than me seeing Reece back on the field doing what he is doing. It is a great luxury to have them both in camp." Tabuai-Fidow has scored 15 tries in 14 games this season with a four-try effort his latest in a 50-28 win over South Sydney on Saturday. He arrived in camp on Monday on the Sunshine Coast buoyed by his selection and keen to apply Slater-like habits in his game. "It is just his work off the ball. His defence was pretty good and his work ethic as well. I want to put that into my game and make my game better," Tabuai-Fidow said. "He was one of the greatest fullbacks so to learn off him and pick his brain is going to be good. "It's pretty surreal. Just knowing I have the No.1 on my back is a special feeling and I am excited. "When (Slater) rang me and said I would be in the squad at fullback I was over the moon." Walsh won't play unless activated but the Maroons know only too well that is more than a real possibility. Last year in game one Walsh was illegally taken out, forcing a reshuffle and the use of 18th man Felise Kaufusi. The Broncos whiz can also play in the halves, making him an ideal 18th man. "That's what you have to look at for that 18th man spot, what if this happens or that happens. You need to be able to cover as many spots as possible," Slater said. The coach also made it clear he had no lingering doubts over Walsh's knee injury, ruling that out as a reason why Tabuai-Fidow was preferred. "Reece wouldn't be here if he was injured. He is in a great spot," he said. "I've had that injury, I know how it is and how it feels. It was a purely a decision around who is best for the position at the time."
