QLD Maroons confirm team for State of Origin Game 1, 2026

Billy Slater has confirmed five debutants and a number of surprises.

EDITOR | May 18, 2026 - 8:32am

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The Queensland Maroons have confirmed their team for the opening game of the 2026 State of Origin series, with the big call to drop Reece Walsh headlining Billy Slater's side.

The Queensland coach has been glowing in his praise of Walsh, who drove the Broncos to a premiership last year before playing for the Kangaroos in the Ashes, but a mixed start to 2026 sees him lose his spot to Kalyn Ponga, who returns to the Origin set-up.

It had been theorised on Sunday that Ponga would be picked at halfback, however, Slater has gone clear of that option, instead picking Sam Walker to debut and replace the injured Tom Dearden.

In the backs, Valentine Holmes has been dropped, while, as expected, Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi are out injured, seeing Robert Toia and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow line up in the centres, while Selwyn Cobbo returns on one wing, with Jojo Fifita to debut on the other.

Thomas Flegler makes his return for Queensland having spent most of the last two years out injured. He will be partnered by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui up front, with Max Plath to debut at lock.

That means Lindsay Collins and Patrick Carrigan, as well as Trent Loiero who has been retained, are all on the bench.

Reuben Cotter and Kurt Capewell will return as the starting second-rowers, while New Zealand international Briton Nikora comes in as second-row cover off the bench.

Gehamat Shibasaki and Ezra Mam round out the bench, with there surprisingly being no room for Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who is 20th man.