State of Origin Game 2 teams: Billy Slater drops big Reece Walsh news with three words

Billy Slater has sidestepped big questions after the Maroons coach confirmed four team changes for State of Origin Game 2.

The Maroons coach was cagey and gave little away as he faced the press on Monday to explain four team changes, but one three-word response exposed his massive selection gamble.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has also made a bombshell selection gamble with Mitchell Moses reportedly set to be named at five-eighth despite missing the series opener after injuring his hamstring during a NSW training session.

Daley will not confirm his team until 7pm (AEST) following the Bulldogs-Eels King’s Birthday showdown on Monday afternoon.

Moses held a private training session on Monday and he will reportedly take the No. 6 jumper off Ethan Strange, despite the Raiders playmaker’s heroics in the series opener.

According to Code Sports, Strange will instead be moved to the bench.

Slater has been forced to make four changes for Game 2 at the MCG on June 17.

The biggest blow for Queensland was an ankle injury to Broncos enforcer Pat Carrigan.

Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is set to debut after Carrigan was ruled out.

Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi is also set to come in on Queensland’s extended bench after Gehamat Shibasaki suffered a serious knee injury.

The other strategic shift is to go for a more aggressive edge with Briton Nikora moving into the No. 11 jumper and Max Plath dropping back to the bench.

This will see Reuben Cotter move to lock.

Reece Walsh is set to be recalled. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Walsh’s return means out of form Broncos teammate Ezra Mam has missed out on a spot in the squad as Queensland look to keep the series alive in Melbourne after giving up the biggest lead in State of Origin history in the series opener.

Slater appeared to do his best to give nothing away when repeatedly asked about Walsh’s form this season.

When asked what he had “seen” from Walsh in recent weeks compared to his form before the series opener, Slater responded: “I’ll keep all that stuff in-house. I’ve got a great relationship with Reece. That goes back to when he debuted for the Warriors. He’s built a really good game and if needed, I’m sure he’ll go out and perform that.”

He also elected not to give any information on what Walsh’s role will be in the game, saying the Maroons will “sort that out during the week”.

However, the Slater only needed three words to show what a massive gamble he is making with Walsh on the bench.

The Melbourne Storm icon confirmed Walsh is an option to play in the halves should Cameron Munster or Sam Walker go down injured.

“In short… yes. We have options there,” Slater said.

He confirmed Walsh will not be released to play for the Broncos against the Rabbitohs on Friday night, despite the possibility Walsh could ride the pine for the entire 80 minutes against NSW.

Mam did not see any game time during the series opener.

His omission means the Maroons do not have a specialised playmaker on the bench.

Walsh last week said he had been “disappointed” when Slater called him up last month to tell him he had not been picked for the series opener.

However, the Broncos No. 1 also admitted he had not been “living up to those standards that it takes to wear that Queensland jersey”.

Billy Slater faces the press after announcing the team for Game 2. Photo: Fox Sports News on Kayo.

The Broncos have lost five consecutive games and Walsh was noticeably exposed in defence during the Titans’ extraordinary boilover win over the weekend.

However, despite Walsh’s poor form, Slater has made the call to gamble on the livewire fullback to make an impact coming off the bench.

Walsh is the only Broncos player named in Slater’s squad.

Meanwhile, Daley is also expected to show faith in the majority of the side that pulled off a historic comeback victory at Accor Stadium.

Front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake is set to be dropped back to the bench as a result of the return of powerhouse prop Payne Haas.

Mitch Moses is expected to be named on Monday, while Jacob Saifiti is set to be axed, making way for Payne Haas. Image: Getty

Mitchell Barnett will retain his starting spot at prop, while Jacob Saifiti is expected to be axed out of the 19-man side completely after failing to take the field in Game 1.

The main question for Daley after Game 1 is who will replace the injured Blayke Brailey on the six-man bench.

It is believed that Api Koroisau and Connor Watson are in a two-way battle for the spot, with Wayde Egan expected to be overlooked.

Elsewhere, Casey McLean shone in Game 1 and there have been calls for him to replace the out-of-form Stephen Crichton in the centres.

McLean hobbled off on Sunday, however, with an ankle injury.

“It’s all right,” McLean told ABC sport.

“Physios, they did all the tests they needed to, and they say I’m fine so. I suppose a bit of precautionary just to keep me off.”

And while it is believed he will be fit for Game 2, it may have created enough doubt for Daley to stick strong with his centre pairing of Crichton and Kotoni Staggs.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is also reportedly “likely” to be overlooked with Tolu Koula keeping his spot on the wing.

Liam Martin is also expected to again miss out.

One of Isaiya Katoa and Jacob Kiraz are reportedly set to be named in the No. 20, the spot occupied by Dylan Lucas for Game 1.

Official Queensland team for State of Origin Game 2

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi, 20. Heilum Luki

Code Sports’ expected NSW squad for Game 2

1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Tolu Koula, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Addin Fonua-Blake, Api Koroisau, Ethan Strange, Casey McLean

Source: https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/queensland-cult-hero-taunts-nsw-over-state-of-origin-team-dilemma/news-story/54da9c0ff48d3d2aed468890edfb4704