Slater Shocks Origin World: Walsh Dropped, Papalii Pulled Out of Retirement for Decider Bombshell
Queensland coach Billy Slater has stunned fans with bold selection calls ahead of the State of Origin Game 3 decider, axing three players and bringing veteran forward Josh Papalii out of representative retirement.
Mo Fotuaika, Corey Horsburgh, and Ezra Mam have all been dropped from the 20-man squad named for Game 2. The most notable omission is Fotuaika, who has been cut from the starting 17 after a lacklustre performance in the opening two games of the series.
In a surprise move, Slater has turned to 33-year-old Papalii, who last played Origin in 2022 and officially retired from representative duties in 2023. Despite stepping away from the Origin arena, Papalii has shown impressive form for the Canberra Raiders in recent weeks. Slater has rewarded that form by naming him in the starting front-row, hoping the veteran can provide stability and leadership in the high-pressure decider.
The selection is a huge show of faith in Papalii, but raises questions for others in the squad — particularly Corey Horsburgh, who is also a Raiders forward and has been in solid form. His exclusion may come as a bitter blow, as Papalii leapfrogs him back into the side despite having previously bowed out of Origin duties.
Meanwhile, Reece Walsh has been named as the 18th man. After a heavy concussion in Game 2, many speculated Walsh might be ruled out entirely, but Slater has opted to keep him on the fringe of selection, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow retaining the fullback role.
Slater’s decisions suggest he’s prioritising experience and composure under pressure, as Queensland looks to seal another series win. Whether the gamble pays off will be revealed in the all-important Game 3.
