Shock Selection Shakes Up Queensland Maroons Ahead of Origin Decider — Veteran Broncos Star Called Up, Walsh Dropped to 18th Man, and Papalii Answers Slater’s Call
Queensland has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world ahead of the State of Origin decider, unveiling a string of stunning selection changes. Chief among them is the surprise debut of Gehamat Shibasaki, the 26-year-old Brisbane Broncos veteran, who will run out in the centres for Game III of the 2025 series.
The bold move comes after a three-hour selection meeting within the Maroons camp, as they scrambled to make key positional decisions following the continued injury struggles of star fullback Kalyn Ponga.
With Ponga officially ruled out, Queensland coach Billy Slater has opted for a reshuffled backline. According to The Courier Mail, Shibasaki will be named in the centres, while the electric Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow—fresh off a jaw-dropping four-try performance for the Dolphins against South Sydney—will start at fullback.
But perhaps the biggest stunner is the demotion of Reece Walsh, who won’t be starting or even coming off the bench. Instead, the 21-year-old Broncos livewire has been named 18th man, a protective move due to an ongoing knee concern that Slater reportedly didn’t want to risk flaring up on the Origin stage.
Shibasaki’s Incredible Return to the Top
Gehamat Shibasaki’s call-up marks an unlikely return to the game’s biggest arena after years spent out of the spotlight. Once seen as a rising star during his early days with the Broncos and then the Cowboys, his career took an unexpected turn when he stepped away from the NRL to pursue a rugby union stint in Japan.
Now, three years later, the powerful outside back has clawed his way back to form in Brisbane colors, earning Slater’s trust at a critical moment. His debut will pit him directly against one of the Blues’ most dangerous threats in Stephen Crichton, presenting a monumental challenge for the long-absent Shibasaki.
He will partner with Robert Toia in the centres—a player who only made his own Origin debut earlier this series. It forms what may be one of the least experienced centre pairings Queensland has fielded in over a decade, but one that Slater and the selectors clearly believe can deliver on the big stage.
Valentine Holmes Shifts to the Wing
The shake-up also pushes veteran Maroon Valentine Holmes out of the centres and onto the wing. The Cowboys utility back has plenty of experience out wide at both Origin and international level, and his shift is designed to accommodate Tabuai-Fidow’s explosive pace and attacking prowess at the back.
With the Maroons’ series on the line and the Blues hungry to steal the shield, Queensland has leaned into youth and versatility—gambling on raw talent over safer, more experienced combinations.
The Hammer Reclaims the No. 1 Jersey
One of the most eye-catching changes is the elevation of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to starting fullback. The Dolphins star was unstoppable in clubland this past weekend, lighting up the field with four tries in a dominant performance against South Sydney.
Slater has taken that as a clear sign that the Hammer is ready for the ultimate challenge—playing the custodian role in what promises to be a brutal Game III. With Walsh still not 100%, and Ponga sidelined, Tabuai-Fidow’s speed, evasiveness, and try-scoring instinct make him a natural next-up option.
His elevation means Queensland will carry both firepower and unpredictability in their backline, a setup likely to test the Blues’ defensive systems from the opening whistle.
Why Reece Walsh Was Benched
Slater’s decision to name Reece Walsh as 18th man was not taken lightly. The Broncos star has been Queensland’s first-choice fullback since Ponga’s form and injuries began limiting his availability. However, lingering issues with Walsh’s knee forced Maroons officials into a tough call.
Reports suggest Slater was concerned Walsh might not be able to go the distance in such a high-pressure contest, and the risk of aggravating the injury outweighed the benefits of starting him. While disappointing for Walsh, it’s a forward-thinking move by the Maroons’ coaching staff, putting player welfare first—even if it means sidelining one of their biggest X-factors.
Papalii Answers the Maroons’ Call
While the headlines have been dominated by the backline shuffle, Queensland is also set to benefit from the return of veteran prop Josh Papalii, who has answered Slater’s call to bolster the forward pack.
Papalii had previously stepped away from the Origin arena, but Queensland’s injury concerns and the sheer physicality expected in the decider prompted a plea from Maroons officials. The Canberra Raiders enforcer has agreed to return, giving the side a much-needed boost in the engine room.
His presence will add experience and steel to a pack that must go toe-to-toe with a fired-up New South Wales side desperate to spoil Queensland’s party.
High Stakes Ahead of Game III
With the series tied 1-1, everything is on the line as the Maroons and Blues prepare to clash in the Origin decider. The last time Queensland hosted a Game III decider, they came out on top in one of the most gripping finishes in series history.
Now, with a retooled lineup full of fresh faces, unexpected veterans, and some massive positional gambles, the Maroons are daring to do it differently. Whether these changes pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Queensland isn’t playing it safe.
Game III kicks off on Wednesday, July 9 at 8:05pm AEST, and fans can expect fireworks as this epic 2025 Origin series reaches its crescendo.
