Queensland Maroons Game II squad

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has today confirmed the Maroons’ line-up for Game II of the State of Origin series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Felise Kaufusi has played his way into the 17 after playing in Game I as 18th man, while Kurt Capewell has also earned selection for the June 26 match against the New South Wales Blues.

The clash will mark Kaufusi’s 16th appearance for the Maroons, while it will be Capewell’s 10th Origin game and his first since Game III of the 2022 series.

The pair add experience to the interchange bench, which has a new dynamic following the series opener that featured J’maine Hopgood and Selwyn Cobbo.

With Kaufusi elevated into the 17, the new 18th man is Dane Gagai, a proven performer at Origin level.

The extended squad also includes young forwards Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys) and Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm), who will join Camp Maroon for the first time when the squad assembles in Brisbane today.

Slater will address the media this morning.