Selection shock as QLD coach Billy Slater drops David Fifita for State Of Origin

David Fifita is a shock omission from Queensland’s State of Origin side, after a barnstorming effort in Gold Coast’s 36-34 defeat of Brisbane failed to win over Maroons selectors.

Fifita was enormous with his involvements and impact in running for 178 metres, before leaving the field with five minutes left in the game after a head knock.

Coach Des Hasler confirmed after the match that Fifita had sustained a category-two HIA and passed it.

It was not been enough to earn him selection in the Maroons’ squad, despite featuring in all three matches in a 2-1 series win last year.

Queensland coach Billy Slater does have options in the second row, with Jaydn Su’A in top form for St George Illawarra and J’maine Hopgood a strong chance of a debut.

“He was a different animal out there today,” Titans captain Moeaki Fotuaika said of Fifita.

“He was taking kick-off runs. It’s good to see that side of him come out.”

The Broncos lacked discipline and shot themselves in the foot with poor choices.

“We weren’t at the races today,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.

“We tried to shoot it out against the Titans, which is never going to work.”

Titans fullback Keano Kini had the best game of his career, setting up three tries, in front of 44,221 fans at Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh dazzled in attack in a huge boost to the Maroons.

The 21-year-old, returning from a week’s absence with a knee injury, made two line-breaks and had five line-break assists. He is set to be named at fullback for Queensland.

Walsh had several errors in his game, as he does, but he fired a warning shot to NSW about the danger he poses.

Broncos and Queensland lock Pat Carrigan was put on report for a high shot on Josiah Pahulu in the first half, but it would surprise if he received more than a fine when the charge sheet comes out on Monday.

Brisbane prop Payne Haas opened the scoring before Titans winger Tony Francis injured his right shoulder while trying to tackle Walsh. Francis bravely stayed on the field long enough to score a try after a rampaging run by Fifita.

Broncos winger Corey Oates scored his 121st career try for the club, taking him into outright third on the all-time list.

Broncos whiz Ezra Mam set up a penalty try for winger Deine Mariner when he put through a delightful kick. Mariner was tackled by Titans centre Beau Fermor before he had a chance to score.

Fermor, in his best game of the season after switching from the back row, raced 10m to score to keep his side in it.

Walsh hit hole-running expert Brendan Piakura for a try with a cracking ball, before Titans bench forward Erin Clark dragged four players over the line to narrow the margin to eight points.

Titans makeshift No.6 Chris Randall crashed over after a crafty Fifita pass.

Mam threatened to turn the game with a 90m run, but the Titans hit back with tries to Klese Haas and Brian Kelly to take the lead.

Walsh set up Selwyn Cobbo for a late try to ensure a grandstand finish.

Fifita left the field in the 75th minute for assessment after a head knock, but the Titans hung on, with half Tom Weaver saving a late try with a cover tackle on Oates

QLD State Of Origin Squad: 1 Reece Walsh, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Valentine Holmes, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Murray Taulagi, 6 Tom Dearden, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Reuben Cotter, 9 Ben Hunt, 10 Lindsay Collins, 11 Jaydn Su’A, 12 Jeremiah Nanai, 13 Pat Carrigan., 14 Harry Grant, 15 Moeaki Fotuaika, 16 J’Maine Hopgood, 17 Selwyn Cobbo. Reserves: 18. Felise Kaufusi, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Ezra Mam.