Teen speedster Cobbo one of four Maroons Origin debutants
New Queensland coach Billy Slater has named four debutants in his squad for this year’s State of Origin series opener, including teenager Selwyn Cobbo.
Selwyn Cobbo of the Broncos is one of many First Nations players affected by NRL's support of the 'yes' campaign. (AAP Image/Darren England)
The Brisbane Broncos winger, who has scored 10 tries in his past six NRL games, won a hotly-contested race for a spot in the Maroons’ backline ahead of teammate Corey Oates and North Queensland pair Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi.
Oates hasn’t made Slater’s extended 22-player squad but there are spots on the reserves for Tabuai-Fidow and Taulagi.
As well as 19-year-old Cobbo, Cowboy Reuben Cotter will make his first Origin appearance at lock while Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai are both set to debut for their state from the interchange bench.
The in-form Cowboys have a total of six players in the squad with Valentine Holmes at centre and Tom Dearden joining Tabuai-Fidow and Taulagi in the reserves list.
Slater allowed Cowboys coach Todd Payten to break the news in front of his NRL squad that six players had made the Maroons’ 22, with Valentine Holmes at centre and playmaker Tom Dearden effectively 18th man.
But the former Origin fullback enjoyed the call to Cobbo.
“He said thank you a few times,” Slater grinned.
“He’s a likeable lad and he’s taken the game by storm.
“He’s really lit the game up – brings so much excitement – but he’s doing alot right that we don’t focus on as well.
“Which is a big reason why he’s there.”
Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will start in the front row but Slater has overlooked Titans’ teammates Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita.
Cotter’s selection means there’s also no place for South Sydney’s Jai Arrow, who is among the reserves.
St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has also been named at hooker, with Melbourne’s Harry Grant in the utility role.
The Maroons will assemble in Brisbane on Monday before travelling to the Gold Coast for their training camp ahead of game one at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 8.
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans (capt), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii, Kurt Capewell, Felise Kaufusi, Reuben Cotter. Interchange: Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai. Reserves: Tom Dearden, Jai Arrow, Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi.
NSW: James Tedesco (capt), Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Daniel Tupou, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Junior Paulo, Damien Cook, Payne Haas, Tariq Sims, Cameron Murray Isaah Yeo. Bench: Nicho Hynes, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Tyson Frizell. Reserves: Jack Wighton, Apisai Koroisau, Joseph Suaalii, Liam Martin, Jacob Saifiti.
