Queensland Maroons Game I team confirmed

Queensland Rugby League can today confirm the Queensland Maroons team for Game I of the 2023 State of Origin series against the New South Wales Blues.

Fourteen players who represented the Maroons during last year’s 2-1 series victory have been selected in the 19-man squad for the Adelaide Oval clash on May 31.

After an outstanding start to the season with the Brisbane Broncos, front rower Thomas Flegler has earned an Origin recall and will play his first match for the Maroons since making his debut in the final game of the 2021 series.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also starred while on Origin debut in that same match and The Dolphins flyer’s brilliant start to the season saw him nudge out seasoned Maroons campaigner Dane Gagai for a centre position.

David Fifita and Christian Welch are the other Maroons players returning to the Origin fold after taking no part in last year’s series.

Fifita will pack down in a new-look second row alongside Tom Gilbert.

The sole debutant for the Maroons is Reece Walsh, who won the race for the fullback position following his impressive form for the Broncos.

Walsh was a member of the Maroons’ extended squad last season and in 2021 he was selected for the second game of the series only to suffer a hamstring injury on match eve.

Maroons coach Billy Slater will discuss the Game I selections with media this morning.

Maroons team for Game I