New Queensland forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been rewarded for his outstanding performances for the Dolphins this season as he prepares to make his State of Origin debut in Melbourne. The 22-year-old second-rower, who was the 20th man in game one, has been named at No.16 for the June 17 showdown at the MCG. He joins a revamped bench that includes recalled Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh and North Queensland outside back Murray Taulagi.
Finefeuiaki replaces injured Carrigan
Finefeuiaki steps in for the injured Pat Carrigan, who was sidelined after Queensland's 22-20 loss in game one of the series in Sydney. Walsh has been included in place of Broncos teammate Ezra Mam, who was dropped, while Taulagi replaces injured Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Mam and Shibasaki did not see any game time in Sydney, and there is a possibility that Walsh and Taulagi may also remain unused unless an injury occurs in the starting backline.
Impressive season statistics
Finefeuiaki will be unleashed after a season where his career-high average of 160 metres per match only partially reflects the havoc he has caused for the Dolphins in 12 powerful displays. Each run is executed at top speed, leaving defenders scattered, and he maintains this intensity throughout the game. Finefeuiaki has played every minute of every match this year, except for the final 41 seconds of a 44-12 win over Canterbury when he was sin-binned for a professional foul.
Despite his heavy workload, Finefeuiaki's defence has improved compared to previous years, achieving a career-best 93 per cent tackle efficiency rate to complement his attacking prowess. The Tongan international was born in Auckland but has expressed his deep passion for Queensland. "Moving over from New Zealand when I was 11, I've been watching Origin growing up," he said. "A special player to watch was probably Greg Inglis, the way he played Origin and the way he took on opponents. If I get to put on that jersey one day, it'd be a dream come true."
Maroons side features multiple Dolphins
Finefeuiaki joins fellow Dolphins teammates Max Plath, Thomas Flegler, Selwyn Cobbo, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the Maroons side, all of whom have benefited from strong personal form in a winning club outfit. Meanwhile, Australia fullback Reece Walsh has not been at his best during five consecutive losses for the Broncos, but he is highly regarded by coach Billy Slater for his match-winning abilities and strong performances in five previous Origin matches for Queensland.
Slater makes tactical adjustments
Slater has made several tweaks to his starting side from game one. He has moved lock Max Plath to the bench, elevated Cronulla forward Briton Nikora to the starting back-row, and shifted North Queensland co-captain Reuben Cotter to lock. The full Queensland team for game two is as follows: 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, 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi, 20. Heilum Luki (20th man).
