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Important SN update for SouthlandPapalii recall, Shibasaki debut a nod to Maroons heroes
Joel Gould, AAP • June 30th, 2025 8:00 am
Photo: AAP
Queensland have a history of bold and ultimately beautiful selections in the most pivotal moments of State of Origin history, just ask Allan Langer and Adam Mogg.
That is why the stunning names of Gehamat Shibasaki and Josh Papalii on the Maroons team list for the Origin decider make perfect sense.
Maroons coach Billy Slater and his fellow selectors have dropped a bomb on NSW in one respect by naming Brisbane journeyman Shibasaki at centre for his Origin debut and recalling warrior Canberra prop Papalii for one final Origin showdown in the Sydney next week.
The switch of Dolphins talisman Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from wing to his club position of fullback comes as no surprise. His four tries in the latest masterclass showing against South Sydney revealed why the man known as 'Hammer' was the right choice, edging out Brisbane's Reece Walsh who has been recalled as 18th man.
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Papalii 'retired' from Origin footy before the 2023 season after 23 Origin matches and six series wins. In 2001 Maroons legend Allan Langer was also brought out of retirement by Wayne Bennett for the decider in what turned out to be a masterstroke.
The side were desperately in need of an injection of magic. Langer provided it and the Maroons won 40-14
When Langer walked into camp in Brisbane 24 years ago the Maroons to a man felt 10 feet tall and bulletproof.
Papalii has the same kind of aura about him, only with a different modus operandi. He will lead the forward pack with fire and brimstone and Slater wants one last heroic display of inspiration in a Langeresque fashion.
Shibasaki finished last year without an NRL deal, was thrown a lifeline by the Broncos on a development contract and has played all 15 games, scoring 12 tries in a blockbusting season at centre.
His selection is deserved but also a surprise. It has that 'feel good' story to it like Mogg's debut in 2006 when headlines screamed 'Adam Who?'. Mogg answered that question emphatically with two stellar displays on the wing for the Maroons to help inspire a famous 2-1 comeback series win.
The 27-year-old Shibasaki has proven his many knockers and doubters wrong at club level and has been backed to do the same in the Origin cauldron on enemy territory in the biggest game of his life.
Maroons team for Origin III: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Robert Toia. 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11. Reuben Cotter, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Trent Loiero, 14 Kurt Mann, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Jeremiah Nanai, 17 Pat Carrigan, 18. Reece Walsh, 19, J'maine Hopgood, 20. Josh Kerr.
