By Jon Healy, ABC
Reece Walsh of the Maroons and head coach Billy Slater.
Photo: Cameron Spencer
State of Origin II: NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons
Kick-off: 10.10pm, Wednesday June 17
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Queensland coach Billy Slater has joked he might need to table a peace summit between Maroons captain Cameron Munster and fullback Kalyn Ponga when they come together in camp for State of Origin II.
Munster hit Ponga after a first-half error, sparking a melee between Storm and Knights players on Friday, but Slater said they would be “all good” in camp.
“They’re both competitive,” he said.
“I know Cameron Munster really well, I’m sure they would’ve had a laugh about it afterwards.
“It’s a game of footy; they’re all out there to compete and do their best. Might have to put ’em together the first couple of days.”
Cameron Munster shoves Kalyn Ponga during Melbourne’s 32-30 win. (Supplied: Kayo Sports)
Photo: Supply / Kayo Sports
Qld team for Origin II
Kalyn Ponga
Selwyn Cobbo
Robert Toia
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Jojo Fifita
Cameron Munster (c)
Sam Walker
Thomas Flegler
Harry Grant
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Kurt Capewell
Reuben Cotter
Max Plath
Lindsay Collins
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki *
Trent Loiero
Reece Walsh *
Murray Taulagi *
Heilum Luki *
* Did not play Game I
Slater made three changes to his team for the must-win Origin II at the MCG, with Broncos superstar Reece Walsh named on the bench after not playing since the 2024 series loss.
Walsh was overlooked completely for the series opener in Sydney and his recall comes despite indifferent form during Brisbane’s miserable five-game losing streak.
“We think it’s the best thing for the footy team [to have him] on the bench there,” Slater said.
“We all know what Reece is capable of.
“He’s built a really good game and if needed I’m sure he’ll go out there and perform that.”
Most of the questions at Slater’s press conference surrounded Walsh, with the coach refusing to elaborate on what precipitated the return to the side, saying he would keep it “in-house”.
“It’s about us playing our best football as a footy team,” he said.
“We’re more than one person and that’s been the strength of this team for a long time.
“We’re more than one person, one player. The strength of the team is the team and that’s what we’ll be going after.”
– ABC