Reason behind Fifita’s shock omission; Eels star earns deserved rep honour — Winners & Losers

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North Queensland Cowboys News

New South Wales,Representative Honours,Series Win

NRL: Queensland coach Billy Slater talks with media, discussing the opening side selected for Game I of Origin.

The obvious shocker is the omission of back rower David Fifita , with the Titans star the victim of his own “high standards” according to Slater.

The Eels lock’s ability to create second phase play will be so important in Origin, with Hopgood leading the NRL in offloads . Eels star J’maine Hopgood was the only debutant named in the Maroons’ starting 17. At the start of 2024, many would be excused for thinking Dragons back rower Jaydn Su’a was firmly in the State of Origin wilderness.

Under Shane Flanagan’s guidance, the former Rabbitoh is back to his destructive best, averaging 114 run metres and scoring four tries, one shy of equalling his best ever return for a season. Munster will miss the rest of the series, and Dearden will be given the first chance to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.

While these issues don’t rest solely on the shoulders of Murray Taulagi and Valentine Holmes, few can argue the pair’s selection didn’t raise eyebrows, especially when considering the form of some of Billy Slater’s other options in the outside backs, such as Selwyn Cobbo. Whether they line up on the left or right side of the field, few can argue the Cowboys dynamic duo of Val Holmes and Murray Taulagi will do everything they can to guide Queensland to victory.Arguably the biggest shocker from the Queensland and New South Wales squad announcements was the omission of Fifita.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 12: David Fifita of the Maroons reacts during game three of the State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. It may be harsh to have him in the ‘losers’ column, considering he’s been picked in the extended squad, but Mam had a golden chance to earn a maiden Origin jumper after the injury to Cam Munster.

New South Wales Representative Honours Series Win Start Winners Ezra Mam Parramatta Eels Play Earning Winners & Losers Phase Play Footy Team Valentine Holmes Shock Omission Oceania Two-Man Race Squad Announcements Five-Eighth Position James Tedesco Brisbane Todd Payten Point Scoring Flurries Kyle Robbins Heart Of Midlothian Football Club Canberra Raiders Foxsports.Com.Au Breaks Groin Injury Gold Coast Titans Deserved Rep Dynamic Duo Luke Keary Australia And New Zealand VALENTINE HOLMES Unfortunate Names Titans Star Two-Man Shootout Billy Slater Daniel Nuttall Pat Carrigan Third-Most Points Grand Final Hero Disappointing Defensive David Fifita Tom Dearden Fifth-Most Tackles Australia Injury Prognosis Daly Cherry-Evans Queensland

 

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