Cowboys teammates to make Origin debuts in opposition as Maroons and Blues name decider teams
Tom Gilbert will debut for Queensland in the State of Origin decider as Billy Slater resisted making sweeping changes for the Brisbane clash.Jordan McLean replaces Payne Haas for NSW while Tom Gilbert comes in for Felise Kaufusi for QueenslandThe third and deciding Origin match will be played in Brisbane on July 13
With experienced second-rower Felise Kaufusi unavailable due to family reasons, Maroons selectors have called in North Queensland forward. Gilbert's Cowboys teammate Jordan McLean will make his debut for New South Wales with Jack Wighton named on the bench and Payne Haas missing out due to injury. Haas, who has been battling a recurring AC joint issue all season, played in the Broncos' 40-26 defeat to the Cowboys on Saturday.McLean was part of the extended squad for Origin II but has yet to earn NSW honours, despite winning eight caps for Australia.Gilbert has been named on the interchange bench, with fellow Cowboy Jeremiah Nanai promoted to the starting side in Kaufusi's absence.
Maroons selectors have also added another Cowboy in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and emerging Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker to the squad, effectively replacing Corey Oates and Reece Walsh.
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