Long-term injuries to Jai Arrow and Tom Gilbert are cruel blows but Queensland coach Billy Slater has multiple options to fill the void in the second State of Origin showdown in Brisbane.
Slater confirmed to AAP that at least seven candidates are in the frame to replace the duo on June 21 when the side is chosen on Sunday night.
Dolphins firebrand Gilbert dislocated his shoulder in the Maroons’ 26-18 win in game one in Adelaide playing second-row and is out for the season.
Bench forward Jai Arrow sustained a syndesmosis injury in South Sydney’s 46-28 win over Gold Coats on Saturday night and is unavailable for six to eight weeks.
Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi, North Queensland tyro Jeremiah Nanai and Brisbane’s Kurt Capewell are specialist back-rowers under consideration by the Queensland selectors.
Canberra’s versatile Corey Horsburgh, who can play on an edge or in the middle, is in the frame along with middles J’maine Hopgood (Parramatta), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast) and Christian Welch (Melbourne).
“The guys that have been in the conversation for the last couple of months are all worthy to consider,” Slater told AAP.
“It’s unfortunate for Jai and Tom that they are not going to take a further part in the series but that gives an opportunity to someone else.
“Both have set a high standard and whoever steps into the role will have to uphold the standard they have set.
“We really need to be patient and allow these players (in contention) to perform for their clubs.
“Our duty right now is to watch and observe habits in their games. They dictate what the team looks like.”
Slater has clearly enunciated his philosophy around team selections throughout his tenure. To get picked in the Queensland team a player first has to be capable of shining in the Origin arena. Secondly, there has to be an opportunity.
In-form Horsburgh has played second-row for the Raiders the past two weeks while captain Elliott Whitehead has been unavailable. Slater said he had shown habits in his game that suggested he was Maroons-ready.
“That shows his versatility but I think his best position is in the middle of the field,” Slater said.
“I have liked his output and what he brings to the Canberra Raiders.
“Going into game one there wasn’t an opportunity (for Horsburgh)…now there is for some players. It is just about thinking about who has earnt it the most and is best suited to doing their duty for Queensland.”
Slater said he would look at the entire balance of the side and contingency plans to deal with injuries that regularly unfold in an Origin game, as they did in game one in Adelaide where he had Ben Hunt and David Fifita playing in the centres at one stage.
Kaufusi and Nanai have played limited football in the past month due to suspension but have both trained with their NRL teams. Nanai played all three Origin games last year and was strong on his return in the Cowboys 45-20 win over Melbourne on Sunday.
Capewell missed out in game one but is a versatile footballer who has played centre for the Maroons.
On Sunday night Slater and the selectors would pick players they consider “best for Queensland” in the positions available and for the balance of the team.
