Fifita returns to Origin as two Titans named for Queensland

David Fifita will return to the State of Origin arena next Wednesday night when the Queensland Maroons take on the New South Wales Blues.

Fifita is one of two Titans chosen, alongside captain, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui also joining the squad named by coach, Billy Slater, earlier today.

Fifita has played five games for the Maroons between 2019 and 2021 but missed the 2022 series.

Arguably the form back rower of the 2023 NRL season, Fifita's form could not be ignored by Slater.

Fa'asuamaleaui will return for his fourth State of Origin series, but the Titans captain will be sweating on match review committee results after being put on report for a lifting tackle in his sides round 12 match with the Bulldogs.

The remainder of the Queensland side saw some familiar faces mixed with some change from the series winning game three side of 2022.

Fourteen players who represented the Maroons during last year’s 2-1 series victory have been selected in the 19-man squad for the Adelaide Oval clash on May 31.

Along with Fifita, Brisbane Broncos, front rower Thomas Flegler has earned an Origin recall and will play his first match for the Maroons since making his debut in the final game of the 2021 series.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also returns after the Dolphins flyer’s brilliant start to the season saw him nudge out seasoned Maroons campaigner Dane Gagai for a centre position.

Christian Welch is the other Maroons player returning to the Origin fold after taking no part in last year’s series.

Fifita will pack down in a new-look second row alongside Tom Gilbert.

The sole debutant for the Maroons is Reece Walsh, who won the race for the fullback position following his impressive form for the Broncos.

Walsh was a member of the Maroons’ extended squad last season and in 2021 he was selected for the second game of the series only to suffer a hamstring injury on match eve.